Jun 23, 2010

RMNP Day Hike

Connie and I went for a hike today that began in Alpine Tundra and finished in Forest and Meadow. Along the way, several marmots, Rock Wrens, a Sage Thrasher and a few Pipits. Shortly below the trailhead we were joined by bunches of elk with young calves:



The view from a little ways below the trailhead. Our first Dusky Grouse
was up in the Tundra, oddly relaxing on a rock formation...




Our second Grouse, mid-way down the trail...
quiet and cooperative.




The third Grouse. Before spotting the mom, I noticed one 
little fluffball by the side of the road. Seconds later 
Mom put on a defensive display for a threatening 
Townsend's Solitaire.




One of the fluffballs (Connie says maybe two weeks old...)



Another. We counted four.







2 comments:

DaveABirding said...

Love that first shot from trailridge towards Long's. Gotta get up there early one of these days myself.

Nice recent posts, that Saw-whet is great.

Becca Reid said...

Thanks Dave, it's HARD to get up that early!!