Several days ago we noticed a female mule deer just next to the driveway! I got out, and using the car as a blind, was able to get several photos. Also, on a hike to Lily Lake yesterday I found a Ruby-crowned Kinglet, and on the lake several Ring-necked Ducks. We have also had several additional sightings of Townsend’s Solitaires, and found more bear tracks coming back from Lily Lake. Additionally, on the return trip from the lake, we found a wild parsley that I took close-ups of. Here they are!
These are photos of the bear’s front paws. You can compare the size of the front paws with that of the hind paws previously posted, with my hand in both pictures.
Here you can see two of the forepaws together.
This is either a plant from the Lomatium genus or a Whiskbroom Parsley. Both have a very distinctive flower structure.
This is only the second Ruby-crowned Kinglet that I have found in Leadville, despite them calling often.
This is a male Ring-necked Duck, one of the few species of ducks to be seen at high altitudes.
Despite their name, it is very hard to see the bronze ring on the ducks’ neck.
The mule deer was very cooperative and did not react very much to my presence.
Although we did not see anything the deer frequently looked in one direction, for reasons we did not understand.
This Townsend’s Solitaire was seen on the Mineral Belt Trail, and was one of two seen in as many days.
Gram says:
Great close ups! Looking at them will bring back great memories of being with you for the sightings🙂
AEOC says:
Thank you!