Wildlife | Wolf Song Blog

Sheila’s Wildlife Photos: ~Mule Deer in Rocky Mountain National Park~

Mule Deer (male)

These Mule deer images were taken in September, 2012 in Rocky Mountain National Park. They were in a meadow munching on vegetation; it was fun to photograph and observe their behavior.

Close Up of his Big Ears

Chatting

Mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus) are indigenous to western North America and are found west of the Missouri River. They are named Mule deer, because they have big ears like a mule.

A most handsome face

“I might try this one”

“Go Away!”

~ A Slice of my Hill ~ — A small view of my backyard hillside.

When we returned home from our six-month (half-time) RV travels back in May, we were greeted with several days of snow and cold temperatures. After several days of warm weather, I thought we would go from winter to summer. However, for several days now it has been “cool” here in northern Colorado, currently it is 55 degrees! Lovely!! These lower temperatures are welcome!

The hubby and I were sitting on the deck one evening last week enjoying a glass of red wine when all of a sudden we heard loud quacking. I turned toward the noise and saw a huge crow trying to gain altitude with a baby bird in its claws. The baby bird was heavy enough and the attack by the parents powerful enough to caused the crow to land in the middle of the street. I tried to run out to assist, but as I was making my way down the driveway the crow flew off ~ with the baby.

This crow raided the nearby nest of a pair of Western Scrub-Jays. These Jays were so upset flying in circles and “crying” for the longest time. My heart broke listening to their cries and I just hope the baby Jay died quickly. Mother Nature can be so cruel.

Since the snow melted, I am not seeing the Dark-eyed Juncos at my feeders, haven’t for two weeks now They are probably enjoying higher elevations (perhaps up in Rocky Mountain National Park) and much cooler temperatures. I guess five-thousand feet wasn’t high enough for them!

A few Western Scrub-Jays, over the years, have adopted my yard to spend their spring and summers. I often see them chasing away the Blue Jays – this is their home after all. This morning I did observe a Blue Jay grabbing a peanut! Where were you Scrub?? I delight in the Scrubs presence with their comical antics and look forward to seeing them upon our return home. In the mornings they will hear my garage door opening and will fly to greet me chattering away, because they know I am putting out bird seed and their favorite – peanuts.

Black Bird - Crow or Raven — Black Bird – Crow or Raven?

I have several species of birds nesting either in my yard or near by. Among these are: House Finches, Spotted Towhees, Black-capped Chickadees, Morning Doves and Ringed Turtle-doves. There might be more, but I have not witnessed the nesting activity of others.