Life in the Foothills

In October we were given an opportunity to house/cat-sit up in the Foothills overlooking Fort Collins.  As we settled into our temporary Bingham Hill residence I noticed a few patterns.  One were the deer, a cute little family of three that would often show up around dusk to feed around the back deck.

Despite coming in to feed near the house, even in the courtyard, they were still skittish and would keep their distance.  I like it when deer are like that, friendly but not so use to humans. It also means the permanent residents of this home don't feed the wildlife and truly do keep wildlife wild.  

The sunsets and sunrises were beautiful, the sparrows plentiful, the deer photogenic, and the views went for days but I must admit, it's nice to be home.  I live down  there somewhere under that light pink sky.  It's not as scenic as the foothills but it's nearly perfect with it's plentiful bookcases, un-made bed, and dog hair.

Mountain Goats!

If I had a band, this would be our cover photo.  Gosh, aren't Mountain Goats just the cutest things you've ever seen?  I rode up Mount Evans despite my fear of mountain roads above treeline just to see these beauties.  They did not disappoint!

I loved the babies, the shedding, the look in their eyes as they scampered about.  It was definitely worth the anxiety of riding up a crazy road with drop-offs they literally go for miles.  The trip would only have been better of a Ptarmigin had showed itself on the multiple pull-off stops.  I guess that will have to wait till next time.

Marmot Weekend

Marmot sunning on Mount Evans

Have a splendid weekend!  May you find a warm rock in which to bask the afternoon away.  Better yet, find some cool waters to soak.  I know I'll be hoping for a dip in a mountain river this weekend.

Squirrel Poem

Scolding

Holding

Boldly raiding

Plotting

Waiting

Ambuscading

Highly climbing

And descending

Digging 

Hiding

And forgetting.

-Felice Holman

Mountain Deer

Deer are often easily photographed and each one seems to have its own story behind those gentle eyes.  The last deer in this series especially grabbed my attention.  How did it get that injury?  Would it make it through the winter?  It was the most eager to eat from the feeders and didn't move when approached.  It seemed to be pleading for help and I was happy that the deer came in and grazed the loose feed on the ground.  I hope it makes it this winter and heals up without infection.  It seemed to be doing okay other than the obvious but I certainly wanted to know more.  If only the animals could talk, I would listen for days.

Yard Bunny

The occupant of the snowy tracks from a few weeks ago finally had a break in the weather and was seen from the driveway.  Our very own yard rabbit was steadily feeding and though it was a little skittish, it wasn't too wary for a few photos ops.

Little rabbit, I hope you live a long and peaceful life in the safety of our large front yard tree.  It's nice having a yard bunny to watch from time to time.

Road Deer Haiku

Ears alert and stiff,

Soft deer eyes stare lazily.

Please, stay off the road.

MOOSE!

All weekend we sat on the porch of the Grand Lake cabin and waited.  We watched hummingbirds dance, golden-mantled squirrels play, and we continued to wait and watch for The Moose.  On our last day there, our Moose stepped out across the river.  We were elated!

Then the Moose turned and walked across the river.  We decided to get in the car and dare a little closer, still keeping a good distance.  The Moose walked towards us as we waited.

As it neared we marveled at the enormity of this beast, the huge rack, the bell, and the slow saunter as it walked right in front of us.  Then it did something we didn't expect.

We turned the car around to go back to the cabin and guess who was peeking around the corner of the house.  The Moose again!  But it paid us no attention.  It slowly walked off into the trees after 15 minutes or so and even though it's such a large animal, we lost it only 50-60 feet away.

This wasn't my first Moose but it was the biggest, the closest, and the most gentle one I've experienced yet.  And the best part, my Mom visiting from South Carolina was standing on that back porch, only 10 feet away as it peeked around the house.

Thank you big Moose.  I hope we meet again.

Costa Rican Wildlife

Chestnut-mandibled Toucans

Red-legged Honeycreeper

Great Currassow

Eyelash Viper

White-nosed Coati

Spotted Antbird

The Arenal Volcano area of Costa Rica is full of wonder.  Emily and I saw over 130 species of birds and I racked up almost 30 new species on my life list.  The waterfalls were beautiful, the lush green rain forests brought many new wildlife encounters, and the volcano always loomed in the distance as a reminder of our exotic vacation.  We spent most of our days hiking the trails around Arenal Observatory Lodge looking for birds and taking in the views.  It was a great spring break and I highly recommend Arenal Observatory Lodge if you are interested in Costa Rica at its finest.

Beaver swimming

While spending MLK weekend on the family farm, we had an unexpected visitor.  As we were spending time on the front porch I saw something moving across the river upstream.  At first I thought it was a snake but then I noticed it zigged and zagged away from the shoreline and veered down the river.  As it came closer I saw the brown body and grabbed my binoculars.  It was a Beaver and a first sighting for some of the MLK participants.

We watched the Beaver swim down Black River, passing us without even a glance.  Off it went into the patch of Alligator Weed and out of sight.  It was nice addition to a fun weekend. I'll take this unexpected guest any day!

Howler Monkey Fun

Our first Howler Monkey of the trip was the one seen above.  We watched a whole family cross above us on the Old Gamboa Trail.  It was a dream come true.

On our last day at the Tower we were given another surprise, a whole family of Howlers only feet away.  The mother of the family had a small baby clutching her stomach.  We watched the acrobatic family until it was time to leave.  It was sad to leave the Tower but the rest of our adventure was ahead with a trip to the Canopy Lodge.

It was a perfect goodbye to one of the best places ever.  Our little Howler family gave us a proper adieu and we were on the road again.

Sloth/Monkey

Nothing like seeing new animals at eye-level.  From the top of the Tower we not only had up-close views of sloth and monkey but sometimes we even had them in the same frame!

Young Bobcats

Our young Bobcats are growing up. By mid summer I expect the mom will kick them out her territory and off they will venture to find their own space. It's been fun watching them play in the wetland. Good luck little kitties.

Okeeheelee Nature Trails

I told you all about the great birding at Okeeheelee, like seeing Indigo Buntings transition into breeding plumage, but I would be remiss if I didn't mention the other wildlife. Okeeheelee is also a great place for general nature viewing. One can spy Gopher Tortoises galore or a Box Turtle like the one below.
 

If reptiles aren't your thing you can also see rabbits, bobcats, and deer in the pine woods. It's especially active after a little shower and things cool down a bit. The flowers around the nature center will also produce some really great butterflies if you're into insects.  Next time you're in Palm Beach County give the park a go, you won't be let down.
 

The baby Bobcats have been entertaining visitors at Green Cay. The above photo was taken this week as 3 of the babies chased each other around near the edge of the wetlands as this one dared climb high in a tree. While everyone was watching and snapping photos of the cute babies the mother provided another highlight. We heard splashing and I turned just in time to see the mother Bobcat pounce on a raft of American Coots. She came up with a clean catch. The bird struggled and she trotted through the water to the forest edge. We turned back to the babies but they were gone. Obviously, they knew dinner was on the way. If you want to see our Bobcats they are easily seen from the deck of the nature center by the restrooms. I think early morning is best but they have been seen throughout the day.

Gamecam Florida Panthers

Florida Panthers are rare but definitely can be found if you spend enough time in the Everglades.  I saw my lifer Florida Panther in Everglades National Park.  It was such a brief glimpse that I'm eager for another sighting.  Maybe now that I have a year pass I'll try to get down there for some more wildlife encounters.  Until then I will have to look at these photos with desire.  The photos are once again taken in Collier County with a gamecam.  I hope one day to get a good look like this gamecam provides. 

Gamecam Black Bears

These photos were taken by a gamecam in the western parts of the Everglades.  I have had the pleasure of seeing a Black Bear in Florida once up in Ocala National Park but never one this far south.  However I have seen scat markings from what I thought was a Black Bear in Everglades National Park so I know they are around.  These photos come from a friend that has access to a few game cameras in Collier County.  I hope you enjoy!

Baby Bobcats

We have our fair share of Bobcats at Green Cay but recently we have had a little mini-explosion.  Our resident female has had FOUR babies!  It's been a treat to watch the little ones eat and play.  Of course with the score of photographers around these photos don't do the little ones justice but I had to share with you the cute little fluff balls. 

They Bobcat family was first spotted two weeks ago at the "alligator hole" where one of our female alligators had a huge nest this summer.  For the whole day and into the next one, the family entertained our visitors while they kittens feasted on American Coot.  The photo above shows one of the babies picking the coot up and dragging it around.  The following photo shows you one of the kittens eating.

Next time you're out at Green Cay for a visit don't forget to check all the understory for this great little family.  The mother is pretty protective so it's best to keep a distance.  I hope that the hordes of people visiting don't scare them away to more inaccesibile areas of the park.  Here's one last digibinned shot of a little Bobcat baby tail.