A loungemaster if ever there was one.
Mid-day sun after a snowy and cold late March evening made for perfect lounging weather and this Coyote sure took advantage of it.
Morning breath.
On a recent spring day we were treated to a nice dose of morning breath but not the icky kind.
Basking in the warmth of the morning sunlight an American Bison passes by and glances our way. A beautiful morning yet chilly enough we could still see the Bisons breath as they slowly meandered by.
Slumber
Both the Bull and Cow Elk dotting the landscape enjoyed a little late morning nap on this early spring day.
If it weren’t for the extra cup of coffee we had this morning we would join right in.
ahhhh!
The prior evening was snowy and cold, yet, as so often happens in March these Bighorn Sheep arose to find a sunny sky. So today they basked in the warmth and let out a big collective ahhhh!
And the Pronghorn did the same.
Seeking Solitude
An evening rain left frozen pools that had just begun to thaw and clouds lingered throughout the day. Yet all in all it was a perfect hike and one just right for seeking solitude.
Pinyon Jay
While getting ready to go for a hike a while ago we were pleased to have the company of numerous Pinyon Jays buzzing about in the parking area collecting seeds.
According to the Cornell Lab of Ornithology Pinyon Jays are highly social birds of the lower mountain slopes of the western United States, the Pinyon Jay is specialized for feeding on pine seeds. Each jay stores thousands of seeds each year, and has such a good memory that it can remember where most of them were hidden.
https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Pinyon_Jay/id
Now if only I could bottle that kind of memory and take a sip every morning I might never forget where I placed my keys.
As Spring Begins
As spring begins snow still blankets the landscape. Yet it is not mid-winter snow. Transformed by wind and sun and then the cold of night this was a day to wander along and enjoy the season before it’s gone.
Wind and sun and even more wind have given this snow covered hill a dune like quality.
On this day the wind blew strong yet the sun was warm as we made our way along the trail and softening the thin veil of clouds along the distant horizon line.
Streams began to flow some exposed and running free while others were still hidden beneath a blanket of snow.
A seasons long drift formed what we called the ear.
To end the day the wind bid us adieu while crossing a final open valley as spring begins yet winter remain.
Have a wonderful weekend.
