images as thoughts
A Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep grazing in the Rio Grande Gorge in NM. These guys were reintroduced to the region around 10 years ago and seem to be doing very well. We were surprised to observe several on recent hike in that area including one youngster grazing along with their Mom.
Out on a hike amongst the fully blooming rabbit and sage brush we noticed numerous holes along the trail. Were they Marmot or perhaps Badger. Finally near the end of the hike the question was answered when we spotted this Badger off in the distance.
It was nice to see this Badger out foraging.
Badgers dig after and feed on ground squirrels and pocket gophers, and also eat toads, frogs, birds, snakes, insects and insect grubs, wasps, bees, and worms. They sleep through most of the winter in a den, spending about 29 hours at a time in a state of torpor, rousing briefly, and then sleeping again. In torpor, which is not true hibernation, the Badger’s heartbeat slows to about half the normal rate and its temperature drops.
Even with this great camouflage the Badger is at risk mostly from human activities such as habitat loss as well as hunting and trapping.
Enjoy your winter Mr. badger and we will see you after your Torpor.
Opalescent pool adding a bit of color to an other wise cloudy day.
Yellowstone National Park.
Weighing the balance of finding a perch to hunt from and yet keeping safe much of our wildlife perfumes a high wire act…without much of a safety net. This beautiful hawk included.
While driving an old road in an area where recent fires scorched much of the forest we happened upon a stand of wonderful old Ponderosa Pines still standing tall with wonderful fall colors below and showing off that wonderful orangish bark that only wise old Ponderosas have.
Trees are amazing creatures….truly amazing.
A white Tailed Doe peeking in and saying hello on a Monday morning.
Have a great week.
A Black Crowned Hight Heron working the ponds at Arapahoe National Wildlife refuge earlier this year.
