May is the month for red dogs–baby bison. They earned the name because they are born a red-orange tan color with an average weight of 40 pounds. They hop around and play as puppies so the name fits. Babies stay red about two months then begin turning brown as the rest of the herd. They are so cute.
Pronghorn are a unique and amazing species. They live only in southern Saskatchewan prairies to northern Mexico deserts. They are also one of my favorite animals. We talked before about some of their unique features, but I’ve only seen them from a distance here in Colorado and miss them. So it is time to revisit some wonderful experiences shared with pronghorn during my time in Yellowstone.
On a rainy day in June, I stopped for something else, but did a double-take seeing “mommy and me” on the hill right above the road. Young are typically born in late May and June and this little one is probably three to four weeks old. Mostly I’m envious of their gorgeous eyelashes. Come on along to explore more . . .
Living in the mountain west the deer we see most often are Mule Deer ((Odocoileus hemionus). Indigenous across the western US, they can be identified by their oversized ears resembling those of a mule, their black-tipped tail, and distinctive dark forehead. Lovingly called Muleys, outside of the mating season (rut), they tend to be calm and not particularly bothered by our presence. However, kept my distance from this big boy. I’ve seen Mule Deer all over Montana and Wyoming the last seven years, but this Muley is massive, the biggest I’ve ever seen. The largest males (bucks) can weight 460 pounds, and I think this boy is there!
Hi there and welcome back. Hope you are well and staying sane during these very different days. All my 2020 trips have been canceled which has lead to reimagining life with the coronavirus and reflecting on what is truly important. Are you having similar thoughts?
For the last years I’ve been sharing the “big stuff”. Bison, wolves, Pronghorn antelope, Bighorn sheep, Sandhill Cranes, Harlequin Ducks, Yellowstone, Glacier, and amazing landscapes in the East, West, and all along the way. Slide down the right column to view past adventures–relax, smile, and enjoy.
For now, however, it is time to explore the close by. Beautiful county park’s trails, although closed visitor centers. Amazing city parks and open spaces plus close-by state parks. Taking the time to enjoy the often-overlooked close-by places and abundant small wonders they hold.
Come along and enjoy our amazing natural world as we explore Fountain Creek Nature Center and surrounds late winter into early spring this year. Many birds migrate through, some stay to have young, others make it their year-round home along with many plants and small mammals. Remember my friend, to really enjoy the great outdoors you MUST slow down and look around. Never know, you may find “friends” in other forms along the way.
