Wild Happenings

Yesterday morning I launched the kayak into Colter Bay and paddled around the peninsula. The high peaks tower over the lake in a surprisingly small area. To the north and to the south I could see smaller ranges with snow, but not anything like these magnificent mountains. An Osprey pair is still flying over and calling. I wonder if they are nesting nearby.
........Today was my day off. I headed south toward Jenny Lake, stopping halfway to join a group of cars parked at the edge of the road. Not seeing a large animal, I asked a woman, "What is it?" The reply had me running back to the truck for my 'scope, a GREAT GRAY OWL !!! The owl had flown to another tree and perched on a branch in full view. Photographers with very long lenses were clicking off photos quickly. No need for speed. Beautiful owl sat on the branch, posed, and dozed off, only to be awakened by a passing RV.
And that was only the beginning. Weather was poor at Jenny Lake, and I decided to hike anyway. Hidden Falls is roaring down its canyon at many 1000's of cfs. I encountered at least 5 Yellow-bellied Marmots along the trail. (more than I have ever seen in one day !) A Marten, a very close male Moose munching away, a Black-backed Woodpecker, and a pair of Gray Jays were additional highlights.
Jenny Lake is truly a beautiful alpine lake.
Photos of the Marmot, and a location further south in the park.

early June

This wet cold front has lasted nearly a week, with only a few sun breaks. Its been a good time to label all my photos and learn each flower as it appears.
The Marina announced there was enough water to launch canoes and kayaks. Indeed the docks do seem to be rising off the muddy lake bottom. The employee sticker for Silver truck was free. To put Dolphin in the water requires 2 permits !! One from National Park Service, and one from state of Wyoming, for a grand total of $35.00 !!!! I have never had to sticker my boat before. It has been poor weather for paddling.
2 employees have quit at Cabin Office leaving the rest of us working 6-day weeks until new people are hired. I hope they hire more people soon.
A Bear story. Bear 399 and her 3 cubs have been hanging around Colter Village for more than a week. There is a large male Grizzley in the forest across the highway. It is believed she is finding safe haven in Colter Village away from the male who would likely kill the cubs. This morning I drove a few miles south to check my cell phone, and came upon a "bear jam" of vehicles. A large grizzley was foraging on the far side of the sage brush flats, apparently not interested in the small group of Elk on the north edge of the field. I pulled out my birding 'scope and had a distant look at her and a cub who ran across in front of her. I let several other people look thru the scope as well.
Many pairs of Mountain Bluebirds in the sage finding insects.
Photos of a Waterleaf flower (Hydrophyllum capitatum) and a Uinta Ground Squirrel announcing his territory to passing hikers.

Trees are convinced

"I will seize you I will seize you I will squeeze you 'til you squirt !" Warbling Vireos were singing by the lake this morning. Their song is so much easier to remember since Sue told me the numonic. Monday was a bright sunny day until afternoon clouds rolled in. I walked up the sage covered hill by the oxbow of Snake River, amazed to see how fast the Aspen were responding to a few warm days. Tiny new leaves are popping out quickly.
Birds are migrating thru the area. I found a pair of Pine Grosbeaks near the campground 3 days ago, a Black-headed Grosbeak and a pair of Dusky Flycatchers on that sage-covered hill, and heard Sandhill Cranes calling near the river.
A bear with cubs walked past the gas station and into the campground 2 days ago. Many guests came in with photos and stories. Bear 399 is about 15 years old and has raised cubs in previous years. The rangers keep track of her and other bears to prevent unhappy interactions with humans.

Bison Encounter

Friday late afternoon I drove along Antelope Flats Road in the southern part of the park. At first the Bison were distant. Western Meadowlarks were singing, Brewer's Blackbirds flocked close to the ground. I turned around at a junction where Vesper Sparrows were singing. Several Bison had moved in close to the road. I stopped to watch them and take a few photos. One big male looked at me with those dark glassy eyes, and walked across the road just behind my truck. A BIG shaggy beast shedding his winter coat, impressive. I'm glad I was inside the truck. Further along the road I stopped again. Cowbirds sat on a Bison as he munched the greenery. Barely peeking over the sage brush, a small calf looked around. Bison calves are fuzzy appearing and bright rusty red.
Today was my last morning shift for awhile. Mornings are a much coveted position by the married women who need to return to their hungry husbands before evening comes. I hiked Lakeshore Trail in the afternoon. A pair of Osprey kept circling around, calling and calling. One carried a fish, maybe a courtship gift. Colter Bay is mostly mudflats now, not too many fish are available. I was thinking shorebirds might find this area attractive, then a pair of Spotted Sandpipers flew in.
Big snow piles are melting. The pile in the middle of the parking lot was higher than my truck when I arrived 2 weeks ago. Lakeshore Trail still has some snow to walk across, most of the other trails are still snowed in. The official estimate is Wyoming's snowpack is 320 % of its annual average. Spring snow melt will come in a torrent.
Photos: Bison, and Bald Eagle had just finished eating a fish. A serious telephoto lens would have made a better picture.

Sunshine !

Tuesday started 2 1/2 days of magnificent blue sky and sun. The mountains have been spectacular with their fresh cloaks of snow. This evening I watched more clouds blowing in, erasing the mountains, only to have the peaks reappear a few minutes later. In the binoculars the ridges seem larger and exciting. I thought of the early climbers on these mountains and the equipment they must have used. Equipment has changed, and the mountains still draw people in for the same reasons.
Moose are enjoying munching on the willows, and Bison are foraging in distant fields. Yesterday morning I saw a Bald Eagle sitting on the ice finishing a breakfast of fresh fish. Photos of mama Moose hiding her little one in the brush, and Mt Moran.

Spring ?

Its been snowing for 2 days now. Roads inside Yellowstone Park have been closed because of snow. In the forest, where the snow had melted, the land is white and wet. Despite this crazy weather, guests are reporting a female Moose near Jackson Lake Lodge with a little calf. Bison are also being seen with little ones. Partway between Jenny Lake and south entrance many cars were parked on the side of the road. A Bear-jam !! A Black bear was traversing the hillside looking for tasty edibles. Fortunately a safe distance away. I guess I have seen all the charismatic mega-fauna in this area, Bison, Elk, Bear, Moose.
Photos later.

This is May ??

Snowstorm began overnight, and by lunchtime everything was covered with 2 inches of snow. Yesterday morning there was no accumulation, now it looks like March in the mountains. One photo of the road to Employee Village, and flowers are blooming despite the weather. This one is Yellowbell, Fritillaria pudica