As new birders, it was exciting to take part in the annual Christmas bird count in Estes Park this year.  We didn't have a lot of time for the project but dutifully took the Endovalley area of RMNP and walked along the road from the Alluvial Fan to the picnic area at the base of Old Fall River Road.  This stretch of road is one of our favorites because it borders a large meadow and is lined with willow bushes and aspen trees -- perfect habitat for birds.  In winter, though, it is pretty sparse.  When we reached the picnic area we were excited to see and count 4 Mountain Chickadees.  Then, it looked like they were following us so we stopped to make sure we counted correctly.  Well, that is when the 4 ambushed us!  First they flocked at our feet, then at a nearby rock, then on our heads, hands and cameras!  What a trip!  One pecked at Rachel's un-gloved hand!  We're not sure if they were "friendly," "hungry," or "lonely," but they sure made sure they were counted!

Sometime on Friday evening/Saturday morning, a mountain lion took down a young buck. Andy spotted it in our neighborhood by the flock of ravens that were making a meal out of it.  We knew that it was a mountain lion kill because we could see a long drag mark as it moved its meal to the privacy of a nearby tree.   We also saw a VERY big cat print in the sand of the road.  So, with the cover dusk, Andy put up a trail camera near the carcass and we didn't sleep all night.  Mountain lion it was!  Here are some pictures that we got.  Note that the times are all an hour and 15 minutes later than actual.  There was also a branch that reflected back the (infrared) flash of the camera so I've edited it out.  You can see that there was barely enough left for a black-billed magpie the next day.  

November is peak mule deer rut season and there is only one thing on their minds.  Unfortunately, it is also hunting time and one buck was not so lucky.  He was shot in the neighborhood but ended up dying in our neighbor's yard.  A bobcat made a good meal of him one day and we put up the trail camera the next.  Only one skittish coyote visited that night. Then we couldn't put up the camera the following night because the bobcat was on it again.  The third night we were able to photograph a coyote and a bobcat on the carcass.  We've made a short video.  It is best played at double speed.  You can see why the coyote was so nervous.  Can you see the bobcat's eyes come into view?