Up-close with a Clark's Nutcracker

Every now and then you get a special moment with a bird when you're not even looking.  On a recent trip to Rocky Mountain National Park we stopped at a pullover to see the view and as we stood there with the nippy wind swirling about a Clark's Nutcracker landed feet away.  I raced to the car and was able to get back in time to capture a few up-close-and-personal shots.

I've never seen such a friendly Clark's Nutcracker.  Mostly my interactions with the species have been a quick flyover while hiking or a brief feeder visit that turns short with any sudden movements.  

Rocky Mountain National Park is a beautiful park and it was made even more special with the appearance of such a cooperative bird.

Trail Ridge Road

Trail Ridge Road is the highest continuous paved road in the United States.  This is a no guard rail, exhilarating ride through Rocky Mountain National Park with vistas for miles and peaks for days.  Once above treelike you can see all the way to Wyoming, it's just jaw-dropping beautiful.  Usually you creep along with sudden stops from tourists and the occasional animal crossing but on this late summer day we had the road to ourselves.  

As the fog rolled in our visibility was limited but then we would turn a curve and come face-to-face with snow-capped mountains with the soft glow of sunset.  The moon rose in the east and we headed west to Grand Lake.  Fortunately we were off the road before dark but not before we heard the bugle of elk through the misty, abandoned terrain.  Driving Trail Ridge Road is always exciting but made even more special when you find a lucky afternoon and it feels like you have the whole National Park to yourself.

Rocky Mountain Sunset

Friday evening we drove over Trail Ridge Road to Grand Lake but as the clouds gave us a break we jumped out for a quick look around Rock Cut Trail.  We searched for a Ptarmigan but despite the Horned Larks and the distant bugle of a male Elk, we came up short.

Our closest wildlife encounter was with the Marmots that littered the sides of the trail.  After that it was just a thousand rocks that all looked like a Ptarmigan in the afternoon sun.

We eventually gave us birding and took in the beautiful vistas and completely empty trail at Rock Cut.  It was surreal being up above treelike on a busy trail with NO ONE in sight.  Even the cars going by on Trail Ridge were few and far between.

It was a glorious start to a relaxing mountainous weekend.  I am so grateful to live in such a beautiful world and have Rocky Mountain National Park in my backyard.

Happy Birthday Rocky Mtn National Park!

Lily Lake in RMNP

Rocky Mountain National Park is celebrating 100 years!  This weekend we will cross Trail Ridge Road and take in the sights as we head to Grand Lake for a little rest & relaxation.  I'm looking forward to seeing this beautiful park again.  Cheers RMNP to the next 100 years! 

Lifer Marmot!

Another great lifer for the trip was found in Rocky Mountain National Park, a Marmot!  Up until this moment the closest I had been to a Marmot was when I once tried on a rain jacket with its namesake.  To say the least, I was far away from the actual.  This furry rodent like animal is closely related to squirrels and I must admit, much larger than I imagined.  This one tried to hide near the visitor center on Trail Ridge Road.  The winds were blasting off the mountain slopes and I couldn't help but feel like the poor guy was freezing.  But look at that huge, thick coat. These animals are made for high elevations and I was happy that I had such a great look at my first one. 

We left the Marmot gazing out over the Rocky Mountains.  I took a panoramic shot of the Marmot's view.  I must say, the scenery was breathtaking!  I am happy to add this to my mammal list and I hope I have many more looks at this huge ground squirrel.