Getting Outside

On the Photos

One of my favorite questions today: If its fun and easy, is it still legit? Also, if you compose, pick a subject matter and insert yourself in a specific location, is it yours? These questions come from the now long-running dialogue around digital modifications of photos. I love this conversation (a few years ago some photos of mine were criticized because they were beautiful, but un-pure.) I think it's a great, rich discussion. Here's some more, a photographer's take on exploring iphone photography.

As such, a series from today's hike up Deer Mountain 

in Rocky Mountain National Park:

more...

On the Day

My strategy worked! I got to the trailhead at 6:15, before sunrise and before the elk-watching hordes. (It is after all Elk Fest weekend....) Didn't see a soul 'til after the summit, and the hike did me all sorts of good. Granted I wouldn't recommend driving around Estes this weekend, but it was a beautiful day for Fall Aspen viewing and bugling.

Birds and Mammals: Juncos galore, Stellar's Jay, Pygmy and White-breasted Nuthatch, Western Bluebirds and Downy/Hairy Woodpecker. Fox, 1 million chipmunk and some tired-looking Elk.

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.

A few more photos from today's hike:

RMNP Highlights

A FANTASTIC Day at Rocky Mountain National Park. We went seeking White-tailed Ptarmigan. Of course, Connie found us one (eventually two.) I think we were amazed all day.

Ptarmigan video just for kicks:

Summer Nesting seems to be just getting started at RMNP:

Red-naped Sapsucker in nest cavity

Cooperative Tree Swallow

Female Violet-green Swallow at Nest Cavity

Dad looks on...

The always great-to-see Yellow-bellied Marmot

Having a mid-afternoon stretch. (The end of

a really wonderful day....)

The rest of the photos: