Lean times...

The early months of the year are lean times for the local wildlife.  Elk and deer widen their migration pattern in their search for anything edible.  They'll eat dry grasses, gnaw on aspen bark, and feed on vegetation they wouldn't touch at other times of the year.  Their search for food leads them in ever expanding circles, which means we don't see them as often as we do spring through fall.  Bears are in hibernation, mountain lions are following the herds, birds have mostly migrated south.  Still, there are stragglers and it's always a thrill to find that they've passed through.

First on our list of visitors this week is a pair of adolescent elk bulls who can't seem to stop themselves from sparring.  I call them Danny and Mike.  You can see how thin they are; I can only imagine how hungry they must be.  Perhaps it's their "hangriness" that inspires them to push each other around so much.  

The video is about 4 minutes long, and while I could watch them all day, I understand that not everyone has that kind of time or interest.  Feel free to jump out of the video at any time.

Next up are two different views of a beautiful bobcat at the water hole.  He (or she) knows that there's a meal nearby - you can hear the chirps and clicks of a very nervous squirrel in the background - but can't seem to find it.  I love watching the cat as she (or he) looks all over the area trying to find the darn thing.

Our third look at the winter wildlife is of the canine variety.  We typically see coyotes throughout the year, and those that wander through are most often alone.  We spot pairs less frequently, and groups of three or more are pretty rare.  It was fun to catch this trio out and about, especially since they all look so healthy for this time of year. 

Last but not least is Mr. Bluebird.  We're not sure if he's lost or if it's the sign of an early spring, but we've been shocked to see this mountain bluebird hanging around the house this past week.  Hope his feathers are keeping him warm and dry and that he's finding enough to eat under the snow that's fallen in February.  He's a chubby little thing and doesn't look any worse for the winter wear...