Merle's adventures, flora and fauna

About elk in western Montana

2009-10-05T15:12:00.000-07:00

Small elk herd in December 2008 (Photo by Merle Ann Loman)

This is a photo journal of a particular group of elk in the Bitterroot Valley. The photos document movements in almost every month of the year and were collected over a period of 3 years. This group moves about on private and adjacent public land. It has been seen as one big group, or herd, of up to a few hundred, in smaller groups of around 50, and sometimes as individuals alone. The bigger bulls are the most elusive so these photos are of cows, calves and some young bulls.

"See slideshow here"

The photo journal begins in November at the end of breeding and general hunting season. For the winter months the elk have stayed mostly on private land that is very near Forest Service land. They seem to know that these private landowners don’t allow hunting and they are relatively safe there. They adapt well and their simple needs of food, water, space, shelter and a degree of safety are met.

Lone elk in April (Photo by Merle Ann Loman)

Toward the end of March, the photos show them moving with the snow line up in elevation and towards Forest Service land. The newly exposed vegetation is tender and full of nutrition. The older bulls go first, then the younger bulls, cows and calves. The pregnant cows begin migrating towards higher elevations looking for thicker brush and timber. They need secure areas to give birth.

When ready to give birth, usually during mid-May through late-June, a cow will move to an area that elk seldom visit to avoid predators and protect her calf. The calf will weigh about 35 pounds and has no odor. In a couple of weeks the calf is stronger and they will reunite with other cows and calves – safety in numbers.

The bull elk shed their antlers in the winter and by May they begin growing again. In some of the photos you will see little "buttons" on their heads between their ears. In the beginning as the antlers grow, the bone will be covered by skin with numerous blood vessels (velvet). By fall the velvet dries and the bulls use rub trees to scrape it off. See a photo of a rub tree in the slideshow.

Elk nursery group with a few "button bulls" (Photo by Merle Ann Loman)

During the summer elk form nursery groups where the cows take turns “tending” the calves allowing the other cows graze and rest. Calves nurse up to nine months and by fall can weigh up to 225 pounds or more.

The hottest month in the Bitterroot is August. The elk stay at higher elevations deep in the timber and draws trying to stay cool. Their movements are often at night. In September the rut (mating) begins and the bulls gather their harems, or groups of cows. The quiet of the morning or evening will be pierce with the distinct bugle of a bull as he tries to impress his cows or warn other bulls to stay away. And the cycle begins again.

For more info:

Play audio (wav format) – hear the sound of a bull bugling.

Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation – Elk through the seasons

Kings Outdoor World – All about Antlers

Merle’s SmugMug photo site – Elk photos through the seasons

About mule deer in western Montana

2009-10-05T15:09:00.000-07:00

Mule deer doe and fawn (Photo by Merle Ann Loman)

Mule Deer - Odocoileus hemionus

Mule deer in western Montana are an interesting lot. They differ from Montana's other native deer, the white-tailed deer, in their behavior and looks.

"See slideshow on Examiner.com here"

They are much more curious and will turn to look at you. Then if alarmed, tuck in their tail and bound off, basically leaping with all four feet together. This is called stotting. They can cover a lot of ground very quickly that way. They range more widely than white-tailed deer, especially in elevational movement, roaming higher into the mountains.

Their coats are grayish in the winter and brown in the summer. They have white rumps, chin and throat, and their tails are short with a black tip. The ears; they are called mule deer for this reason. The ears are very large and prominent, resembling the ears of a mule. On the lower outside of the hind leg, there is a slit-like scent gland up to seven inches long.

Button buck (Photo by Merle Ann Loman)

Their antlers are unique; they fork, and then fork again with the short brow tines tipping forward if they are present at all. The antlers fall off in the winter and begin growing again in the spring. See the photo on the right and the slideshow for more photos of a "button buck" in the early stage of antler development.

Standing from 3 to 3.5 feet tall, mule deer are large deer. Mature bucks weigh about 250-275 pounds, some trophy bucks weigh even more. Mature does weigh from 160 to 180 pounds. They breed in late November and the fawns are born in late June. As with white-tailed deer, the fawns have white spots but their base coat is a dark chocolate brown. The fawns stay with their mother through the summer and are weaned in the fall before rut (breeding season) begins again.

Mule deer does, fawns, and young bucks are frequently seen as they move about the mountains and forage together in groups.

Wintertime (Photo by Merle Ann Loman)

Mature mule deer bucks are another story. During the rut, they will stay with a group of females tending and breeding them, but most of the year they travel alone or in small groups and are very elusive.

During hunting season, mule deer bucks quickly respond to the pressure of hunters in their area and move deep into timber, heavy brush and steep canyons. The big ones get big with good nutrition and because they are smart and crafty. Sometimes they even crawl to evade the aspiring trophy hunter or predator. They will come back out of the thickets again in late November when the does come into estrus, but that doesn't leave much time for the hunter to bag one.

It might take years of research and scouting, but finding that monster mule deer buck is a thrill of a lifetime - even if a photo is what you are after.

For more info:

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks – Field guide for mule deer
Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks – Hunting guide
Mule Deer Foundation – Western Montana Chapter Spotlight
Kings Outdoor World – All About Antlers
Merle’s SmugMug photo site – see the mule deer photos in their original format

Ruffed Grouse

2009-09-29T18:19:00.000-07:00

Ruffed Grouse - Bonasa umbellus

Ruffed Grouse (Photo by Merle Ann Loman)

Lewis called this bird, "the small brown pheasant" and he said it was "booted" or feathered to the foot. Actually, the feathers don't quite reach the foot. Click the link to the slideshow for photos that illustrate these points.

A very popular game bird, the Ruffed Grouse can actually benefit from fire and even logging. Ruffed grouse inhabit dense cover of mixed conifer and deciduous trees and shrubs and are often found along stream bottoms. The mosaic of vegetation that grows in under the burned tree canopy or more open, logged area is beneficial to the grouse providing them secure cover.

If you have been in the woods and heard a drumming sound in the spring, you may have heard a male Ruffed Grouse performing his mating ritual. To identify the Ruffed Grouse, look for the fan-shaped, banded tail and black ruff. No other grouse has these attributes.

The female builds a nest on the ground and usually hatches her eggs in June or sometimes early July. They will remain in the area and within a smaller home range and more densly covered habitat than the farther-ranging dusky or spruce grouse. Adult ruffed grouse may spend most of their lives in less than two square miles of habitat.

The young move from the area where they were brooded, especially when subject to moderate hunting pressure or heavy predation, but most importantly for food. The young grouse switch from a diet rich in insects, berries and greens to the foods that sustain them over the winter, including alder and aspen buds. During the early season, ruffed grouse usually feed on the ground, but once the snow flies, you will see them feeding among the branches of the trees. So if you are hunting for Ruffed Grouse in the fall, look for dense mixed woods with lots of alder or aspen.

For more info:

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks -- Ruffed Grouse
Discovering Lewis & Clark – Ruffed Grouse
Montana State University Extension Office – Ruffed Grouse
Merle's SmugMug photo site – Ruffed Grouse

Fall colors, fall fishing and more on the Bitterroot River in Montana

2009-09-26T14:08:00.001-07:00

Reflections of the sky and fall leaves. Photo: Merle Ann Loman

Click Fall colors, fall fishing and more on the Bitterroot River in Montana for the article on Examiner.com

Fall is a great time to fish the Bitterroot River with the pleasant daytime temperatures cooling from hot summer days of August to the pleasant 70 degree range. The nights drop to 30 or 40 degrees and bring on the gorgeous colors of fall.

Seasonal changes from summer to fall also bring explosions of mayfly hatches such as trico, blue-winged olive, fall drake, and mahogany dun as well as the October caddis.You can expect to see surface feeding fish that will test the resolve of even the most accomplished anglers.

Erosion from spring run-off, or high water events, is a process where new habitat is created or perhaps eliminated. Logs that have been eroded from the banks and deposited somewhere along the channel form the classic Bitterroot holding water. They provide the necessary cover for daily survival and the shade to stay hidden in the heat of a summer day. The Bitterroot is home to a thriving beaver population which can aid in the creation of more new log buckets for the fish. In September, the leaves are on the trees and dropping on the water providing cover but the colors are changing from green to yellows, coppers, reds, and more.

A beautiful brown trout from the Bitterroot River. Photo: Merle Ann Loman

Many tributaries of the Bitterroot River headwaters originate in wilderness areas giving the main river a supply of pristine water up until late July. The West Fork, its main tributary has a dam which releases cold, clean water during the critical times of summer and early fall. The fisheries are a beneficiary of these enhanced flows as is the rancher who can grow his hay crop. Finding a balance between the needs of a fishery and human activities has been an ongoing contentious issue as demands for these cold water releases are increasing. Fortunately, the Bitterroot River fish have an in-stream flow reservation of water. The trout have been given a little consideration.

Deer crossing the Bitterroot. Photo: Merle Ann Loman

Despite increased recreational pressure which not only includes fishing but also boating, tubing, and swimming, the Bitterroot River seems to be thriving and still produces good numbers of westslope cutthroat, some brown and rainbow trout as well as the cuttbow, a hybrid between cutthroat and rainbow trout. Catch and release sections have been a big help as is the in-stream flow reservations. The Bitterroot River in Montana is a favorite fall fishing choice for beauty and a variety of fishing.

For more info:

Wapiti Waters Fly Fishing Montana - Bitterroot webpage

Wapiti Waters Fly Fishing Montana - Seasonal hatch information

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks - Bitterroot webpage

West Fly Entomology

Related Articles:

Fall colors are coming to the Bitterroot Valley in Montana

More photos:

Merle's SmugMug photo site: Bitterroot River in the fall

As fall comes to the Bitterroot, see colors in plant and animals - Sept 2009

2009-09-23T10:25:00.001-07:00

September 21 is the first day of fall and though this month has been warmer than usual, the nights are cooling off. As a result, Mother Nature begins to paint her fall canvas. The angle of the sun and the clouds make the light dance across the valley, often creating rainbows.

The yellows, rusts and tans are seen in the fields, grasses, cottonwoods and aspen; the green is still there in evergreen trees and foliage near streams and wetter draws; and the reds are beginning to show in the ninebark, currants, and chokecherry leaves and fruit. There is even blue in the elderberry fruit.

Color is displayed in plants and in animals as you will see in the slideshow below. See the lush green ferns that provide cover for the white-tailed deer. Later the ferns will turn a copper color and do an even better job of hiding the deer. Various dragonflies perch on golden grasses and vibrant pine trees. Deciduous trees show a variety of colors as the leaves change and fruits ripen in presentation as food for critters such as Ruffed Grouse and bear looking to fatten up for hibernation.

Exotic species – not native to Montana - contribute, too. The pheasant hen’s feathers match the color of the drying fields. A turkey hen’s throat glows as a beam of sunlight lights it up.

This is September 2009 and its own unique year and weather pattern. Visits again as more photos and descriptions throughout this Montana fall are posted.

Take a virtual walk through the Bitterroot Valley through these slideshows and watch the colors change even more in October and November.

To see all the photos in a new window click Merle's SmugMug photos - Bitterroot Fall Sept 2009

References:
Montana Field Guide by Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks
Montana Plant Life.org

The Kootenai Creek Fire in the Bitteroot Valley

2009-09-21T15:49:00.000-07:00

The Kootenai Fire started west of Stevensville, Montana on July 12, 2009. Lightning struck in the Kootenai Canyon on a steep rock face about 2 miles into the wilderness. The Bitterroot Valley has had few fires compared to years past, yet this is the one that wouldn't go away.

On August 5, it was about 2000 acres. On August 31 it grew to near 2685 acres still burning mostly in a rocky avalanche shoot with some brush and timber including Lodgepole Pine, Sub-Alpine Fir and Whitebark Pine.

On Saturday, September 19, the strong winds caused it to "blow up" to over 4400 acres and send embers to drainages north and south. Spot fires resulted and now that there was more timber for fuel, smoke began to tumble out and into the valley. Highway 93 near Stevensville had very low visibility for a few days but is better now.

On Sunday, September 20, it was significantly less active. Modest growth occured around much of the fire's perimeter, and fire managers estimate Sunday's growth to be 100 acres, for a total of 4535 acres.

Until Sunday, Forest officials had used helicopter water drops and only a few ground firefighters because the fire was burning on steep slopes in conditions that were too risky and private property was not immediately threatened. Those conditions changed and more resources were ordered.

Firefighting resources arrived at the fire throughout the day on Sunday. Dozers working with Hotshot and Initial Attack crews established 7 miles of dozer and hand-dug indirect fire lines from Bass Creek across and through Kootenai, Larson, and Sharrott drainages connecting to the Forest Service Road #739 in St. Mary's drainage.

Mike Fritsen's Type III Incident Command Team was briefed by Forest officials late Sunday afternoon and has taken over management of the fire as of Monday.

The Bass Creek, Kootenai Creek and Sharrott Creek drainages and the road and trail system in the St. Mary's drainage remain closed to public use to protect public safety and to reduce traffic on the road systems while firefighters are active in the area. The Stage 1 Pre-evacuation Alert & Warning remains in effect for homeowners west of the Sharrott Hill Loop at the west end of the South and Middle Kootenai Creek Roads. No evacuations have been ordered at this time.

Sunday was much cooler but dryer, warmer and less windy weather is predicted for the remainder of the week.

Residents in the possible evacuation zones have had an outpouring of help from the community especially to help transport and board horses and other animals. A resource for dogs, cats and barnyard livestock as space allows is the Bitterroot Humane Society. For horses, the Willing Servants which saw its start with a high-profile equine abuse case, is there to help.

Many people have voiced dismay at not "putting it out" especially at town meetings, yet residents affected feel that the Forest Service is doing a good job and, with the new resources, will get control of the fire soon. Most have moved livestock, are packed and ready to go yet hoping they won't have to.

Log on to RavalliRepublic.com to read other stories and comment if you choose.

To see all the photos in a new window click Merle's SmugMug Kootenai Fire Photos.

Cutthroat Trout

2009-09-12T23:15:00.000-07:00

I have been busy with other work. Here is a nice fish, just for fun

The Moon over the Bitterroot Mountains

2009-09-09T19:35:00.000-07:00

This morning I couldn't believe the sky over the Bitterroots. See how blue it was and how the moon looked so delicate and white.

Red-naped Sapsucker near Sweathouse Creek

2009-09-03T08:17:00.000-07:00

I took these photos in late June and early July. They were in a medium sized Aspen snag in a fairly open, hot and dry area on the way up a ridge. They were really fun to watch as both the male and female fed their brood. The call is very distinct and is how I found them. Click this Red-naped Sapsucker link to hear the call.

At first I was confused about what kind of Woodpecker it was, but then I saw that the Red-naped Sapsucker has "messy barring" on the back. That is definitely how I would describe the barring on the birds in these photos. They are described as Bark Foragers - Forages for insects by gleaning, probing, prying, tapping, and flycatching. Drills series of shallow holes in bark of tree, licks up sap. The photos support this description.

By July 4, they had vacated the nest.

Click here to see all Merle's SmugMug Red-Naped Sapsucker photos in a new window.

Osprey with a fish near Bear Creek

2009-08-26T17:52:00.001-07:00

I am working on a slideshow of this Osprey. It flew over my chicken coop and landed in a snag next to it. At first I thought it was a hawk after my chickens. Then I saw the fish. I was able to photograph it out of my upstairs window. Pretty cool!

Some facts:

One of the largest birds of prey in North America, it is one of the most widespread birds in the world, found on all continents except Antarctica.
The Osprey eat mostly fish. Barbed pads on the soles of its feet help it grip slippery fish. It dives feet first into the water and when an Osprey takes a large fish to its nest, it carries the fish headfirst to make it as aerodynamic as possible.
Osprey mate for life.

To see the slideshow (all photos) in a new window click Merle's SmugMug Osprey near Bear Creek Album.

Pileated Woodpeckers near Sweathouse Creek

2009-08-20T17:57:00.000-07:00

The Pileated Woodpecker lives throughout North America and as the third largest woodpecker, it is slightly smaller than the American Crow. The feathers appear to be black, has a long tail used as a brace when chiseling and sports the characteristic red crest.

This bird is found in both coniferous and decidous forests living year round (they don't migrate) in large, dead trees called snags. Pileated Woodpeckers are monogamous, staying with the same mate for life.

For more interesting facts visit my source of information Pileated Woodpecker Central.com.

To see all the photos in a new window click Merle's SmugMug Pileated Woodpecker Photos.

I first saw these birds about 18 months ago and I have been photographing them for about 6 months. I will be adding photos as I take them throughout the seasons.

Fly Fishing the Blackfoot River in an August Rain Storm

2009-08-17T14:45:00.000-07:00

Nick Stipich is a talented Missoula area guide and Jack loves working with him. We all had an open day so we fished the lower Blackfoot River on Friday. Fishing with guides is the best way to really know their strengths and match them up well with clients.

Our day started out nice, but we got a big rain and wind storm about noon and had some rain, wind and clouds through out the rest of the day. We caught fish on dry flies and streamers. Our faithful companions Freda and Flicka came along. We used Nick's RO Drift boat, had plenty of room and skimmed over most of the rocks.

The slideshow below shows the trip and some of the features of the lower Blackfoot. It is beautiful!

See all the photos in a new window, click on Merle's SmugMug Blackfoot River in August

Quail in Montana

2009-08-11T13:47:00.000-07:00

I tried to find this quail on the internet, but it looks like either a Gambel's Quail or a California Quail and neither of them are supposed to range here in western Montana. If anyone has better information, comment or send me an email. They are really cute and I see quite a few on the roads and in the pastures near our Bitterroot Mountains. They move too fast for me to get a better photo so far and usually are in coveys or groups.

Click here to view all in a new window

A Photo Journal of Eastern and Central Idaho

2009-08-03T11:18:00.000-07:00

These photos were taken July 7, 2009 as we traveled through the Snake River Plain and include Gilmore, Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve, Arco and Twin Falls, Idaho.

Excerpt from wikipedia.org: The Snake River Plain is a geologic feature located primarily within the state of Idaho in the United States of America. It stretches about 400 miles (640 km) westward from northwest of the state of Wyoming to the Idaho-Oregon border. The plain is a wide flat bow-shaped depression, and covers about a quarter of Idaho. Three major buttes dot the plain east of Arco, the largest being Big Southern Butte.

Many of Idaho's major cities are in the Snake River Plain as is much of its agricultural land. Also located within Snake River Plain is the Idaho National Laboratory.

Click Merle's SmugMug Idaho Roadtrip Album to see all the photos in a new window.

Hike up Sweathouse in late July

2009-07-31T13:46:00.000-07:00

It was a hot day. The creeks and river waterflows are diminishing. It rained heavily the day before and even though the seasonal streams are drying up, there were a few new "puddles" in some of the draws where everyone and everything took advantage of the water.

To see all the photos in a new window, click Merle's SmugMug Hike up Sweathouse in late July.

Road Bike, Kayak, Camping Gear - all you need

2009-07-29T16:50:00.000-07:00

I was pulling out on the highway when I saw this guy. I loved his get-up. I asked if he minded if I photographed him. He smiled and said, "Go ahead."

Click here to view all 3 photos in a new window

Whitetail Buck in Velvet

2009-07-28T18:47:00.000-07:00

This buck was moving through a field and into riparian cover. He did me the favor of stopping for a photo shoot though he was fidgeting from bugs biting him.

Click here to see my SmugMug gallery of Whitetail Buck in Velvet in a new window.

Sierra Footsteps of the Me-Wuk Tribe - Northern California

2009-07-25T15:34:00.000-07:00

On July 9-12 my friend, Nancy, and I participated in a workshop with the Me-Wuk tribe in northern California. On my Picasa photo site are photos of workshop members making baskets, digging sticks, acorn processing, soaproot brush making and more.

On the last morning of the workshop, Gladys McKinney, Jennifer Bates, Kimberly Stevenot, Arvada Fisher, and Kathy Wallace talked with us about customs, materials, tools, designs, processes and much more. There are a lot of photos, but these baskets, etc are the real deal. So, enjoy!

Click here to see Merle's SmugMug photo site for the Me-Wuk Footsteps in the Sierra's

North Fork of the Stanislaus River in northern CA

2009-07-24T10:29:00.000-07:00

My friend Nancy and I traveled from the Bitterroot Valley to the Stanislaus National Forest for a workshop in northern California Native American Arts, Crafts, and Plant Use. I haven't posted for a few weeks because of the trip and the work load when I returned. This post, and many more will show photos of the trip through Idaho, Nevada, Oregon and California, and the workshop itself. To see photos as I post them online, click this link for Merle's Picasa Photo Site.

These photos were taken just after dawn - about 6:20 am - at the Wa Ka Luu Hep Yoo (Wild River) Campground, California.

3900 foot elevation.

49 campsites near the North Fork of the Stanislaus River.

Good fishing for wild brown and rainbow trout. Late season deer hunting. Nearby fishing, picnic/day use area, river shore trails, and whitewater boating launch.

Campground is located on the site of an ancient Me-Wuk Indian village, within the Sourgrass Recreation Complex.

Significant Native American artifacts such as grinding stones and middens have been preserved.

Location: From Altaville, go northeast on CA 4 to Dorrington, then northeast on Boards Crossing Road across the river.
Address: Calaveras Ranger DistrictStanislaus National ForestP.O. Box 500Hathaway Pines, CA 95233
Phone: (209) 795-1381
Season: June - October
Fee: yes
Reservations: NO

See my SmugMug slideshow below for more photos of the North Fork of the Stanislaus River at Dawn.

4th of July Party at the Rattlesnake Gardens

2009-07-06T10:21:00.000-07:00

If you haven't been, you need to go to the 4th of July BBQ put on by the Rattlesnake Gardens - (406) 543-9962
2501 Rattlesnake Dr, Missoula, MT 59802 Get directions Cross Streets: Near the intersection of Rattlesnake Dr and Powell St.

Located near the Historic Lower Rattlesnake District

Jack's band, Pinegrass, played the music there this year. I had never been and had no idea this was their 10th annual party! I can see why they have been so popular. The family picnic atmosphere was amplified with the great food, beverages, and ice cream. There was plenty of seating in the shade and some in the sun. Music was both the feature and the background.

So many people of all ages seemed to grin, visit, eat, dance and be merry from 5:00 to 8:00 pm. When it was over, the crowd left by bike, foot, and car and with in minutes, the place was quiet and clean. Amazing!

If you want to see for yourself, see the slideshow below. There are lots of photos so you might want to open it in a new window and buzz through it. Or, you can come for yourself next year!

Click here to view all in a new window - feel free to download copies

Get your own

Jack will be doing a benefit float on the Clark Fork River this Tuesday and Thursday for the Clark Fork Coalition 320 Float. They will be doing 320 miles in 20 days! Whew. He has decided to use the Rattlesnake Gardens for his lunches. That will be tasty! Lucky floaters.

Dusky Grouse Hen (Blue Grouse)

2009-06-28T07:52:00.000-07:00

These photos were taken fairly high up on the south side of Sweathouse Creek. My puppy and I walked through thick beargrass on our way up a ridge and flushed this hen and her clutch of at least 10 chicks. They flew into the trees before she did. She waited for the last one to fly before she flew into this burned tree where she "froze." She sure is camoflauged.

The Dusky Grouse, Dendragapus obscurus, is a species of forest-dwelling grouse native to North America's Rocky Mountains. It was formerly known (until 2006) as the blue grouse and is the second largest grouse on our continent, measuring 12 to 15 inches in length. Only the Sage Grouse is bigger.

Montana Field Guide for Dusky Grouse by Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks

To see all the photos in a new window click Merle's SmugMug Dusky Grouse link.

Whitetail Male Fawn

2009-06-27T06:51:00.000-07:00

This little guy was walking through a mowed area in a field bleating for his mom. It isn't often I can tell the sex of a new fawn, but he proceeded to squat and urinate. It was then obvious he was a male. He was so intent on his "job" he hardly knew I was there. I hope Mom stays closer to him in the future.

To see all the photos in a new window, click Merle's SmugMug Whitetail Male Fawn link.

Cow Elk on my hike today - where is her calf?

2009-06-23T19:09:00.000-07:00

My chesapeake puppy, Freda, and I hiked up a ridge south of Sweathouse Creek and crossed over to another ridge just north of Gash Creek. Coming down, Freda found a deer shed (antler) and I am running after her trying to see how big it is and scoop it up to take it home.

As I look up, a cow elk is standing nervously in the draw and she doesn't bolt. I had actually seen her in almost the same place on the way up, but now I am very curious why she didn't move on and why she isn't bolting from me.

I sat down trying to hide myself under a shrub while taking photos of her. As she moved, I "snuck" around more shrubs and watched/photographed her as she circled from down in the draw to the right up the draw, across a hillside above me, down again on my left, and back to where I first saw her. Finally, she retreated behind some grass and, I think, crouched down. Now this really didn't take long and I realized she probably had a calf and I should move on and leave them alone. All the time, my puppy was taking a nap in the shade. That was a good thing. I called her and we continued down the mountain.

That wasn't all, near the bottom of the hike I saw a downey woodpecker grabbing a large bug from a dead cottonwood snag. It flew about 3 feet to the next snag and disappeared in a neat hole to feed it's young. I think I will try to go back tomorrow to get photos. They are so darn quick, you have to be really patient to get a decent photo. For today, I was out of time.

To see all the cow elk photos click on Merle's SmugMug Cow Elk photo link.

Whitetail doe and her fawn

2009-06-20T12:03:00.000-07:00

This Whitetail Doe actually had twin fawns but only one of them presented itself for the photos. They look so sweet and healthy.

See the slideshow below for more photos. To see all the photos in a new window, click Merle's SmugMug Whitetail Doe and Fawn photo link.

Turkey Hen and her last Chick

2009-06-18T10:43:00.000-07:00

Yesterday on my hike, as I was walking over the top of a gentle ridge, I came around a bush and just about stepped on this wild turkey hen. She didn't move for a second, then she flew over a pile of dead wood.

As I looked down, there was this lone chick. They usually hatch lots of chicks, so I assume she lost all the others to predators.

Our puppy didn't see them and was out ahead of me. I hurried to catch up with her and leave this sweet little chick to its mother.

To see the three photos in a new window click Merle's SmugMug Turkey Hen and Chick link.