Fav Photos Part 2: Colorado Wildlife

As gardeners, we appreciate nature and not just the flora, but the fauna, too. This year I managed to photograph some of Colorado's most exotic mountain species.

The Shiras Moose was transplanted in the Colorado Rockies in 1978 and 1979 from Utah and Wyoming to start a breeding population. They had done so well in their new home that today campers and mountain travelers will often see seem. This mamma and her baby were getting an early morning drink at the mountain reservoir where we were camped. Ellie spied them first from the camper window, saying, "Look at the reindeer." 

The Wapiti, or elk, are native to the state. This grand photo was taken outside of Estes Park. Hardly a difficult shot for this big guy was grazing along the roadside. Our Texas guests got quit a thrill.

Also commonly seen on the way to Estes is the Rocky Mountain Big Horn Sheep. What a sight to see them and again, no big deal to snap a photos as they are tame and lunch right by the road side. 

Plentiful now in the Colorado skies is the Bald Eagle. I see them with regularity on my way to town. They migrate from Canada and Alaska to our area for the winter. Since I remember the days when we feared that nation's national bird would soon be extinct, it is still a thrill to see these magnificent birds of prey soaring above or perched on high tree branch. 

I cannot take credit for this photo because the Head Gardener took it: Rocky Mountain Goat, a ewe and her kid, high in the mountains west of Denver. Not really exotic here either, but really cool to photograph.

Now I did take this this photo. Do you see the two billy goats napping the sun on the side of the hill, just above the rocks?

The Head Gardener hunts Colorado big game with a bow and arrow. After sending for a license to hunt the mountain goat with his bow for nearly 20 years, he finally drew his license last fall and had a successful hunt. The Colorado Division of Wildlife and Recreation allocates only a few licenses each year as a way to manage the populations of all of its big game. Hubby hunts with a bow for the challenge and feels that he gives the animal the advantage by hunting with his bow. 

Of course these are just lucky photographs, but ones that I am proud to add to my library and to fav photos list. 

Next: Barbie

We have suffered the last couple of days with cold winds. Hate the wind. Makes me nervous and uneasy. We are still weeks, well, months away really from gardening. i don't think that we will 

start our seedlings as early as we did last hear. The tomaotes grew tall and leggy. So until it is time to actuwllynvet serious, I will focus on my indoor activities. I am crocheting an afghan for Lucy, now. I also want to start writing a family history for a family reunion. In the mean time, keep you will keep me entertained with your gardening dreams and plans and anything else that share with us. 

Have a wonderful week.