July-September 2011 Pictures
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We went to Rocky Mt National Park on Wed, Sept 28 for the first stage of anniversary celebration spread over 2 days. One goal was to see the fall colors. We had to go part way up Trail Ridge Rd to Hidden Valley to see a good display. |
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This view from a turnout a few miles up from Hidden Valley. |
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We looked for elk in a few places without finding great views, so we went to a picnic table near Horseshoe Meadow to sit and read for awhile. The wildlife came to us while we were there, as this bear ambled down through the trees. |
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As soon as the bear got out into a grassy area, it was mobbed by several magpies. We didn't know that they would treat a bear this way. Eagles and hawks, yes, but it was a surprise to see them harrass a predator this size. |
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The bear seemed on its way to cross a road, but there were cars. It soon turned around and headed back toward the trees. |
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Ho hum view of the elk by Sheep Lake in Horseshoe Meadow. |
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When we sat at the picnic table, we were "serenaded" by this raven. |
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Earlier we had some baby birds in the yard. Here, a young Blue Jay with parent. A short time before, there were two youngsters begging for food. |
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The flickers also brought youngsters for feeding. |
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We were pleased to see a mantis on the back porch. It may have been trying to escape me by climging the wall. |
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The mantis didn't get very far up, so dropped back to the floor. |
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We've seen just one Sphinx Moth ("Hummingbird Moth") this year. They hover and gather nectar from flowers, just like small hummingbirds. They seem to have a different preference for flowers, however. Hummingbirds are attracted by red; the moths often go to blue flowers. |