Last Tuesday’s foray into high-country wilderness produced some delights (already posted was the Wesakachak), some of which might be seen in the valleys, but are often easier to find in the subalpine and alpine tundra.
Primary among these was a Dusky Grouse. Previously posted pictures of this grouse were taken by Doug Thorburn. This female was a first for me. A male was also seen, but its pictures were not worth posting.
Spotted in the alpine tundra (albeit also found at the valley bottom) was a Columbian Ground Squirrel. It presented me with many poses, but the one I really liked was evocative of a grass-chewing rustic.
A Snowshoe Hare was feeding beside a backroad. This is not a rabbit; this is not a bunny. Admire the large white hind feet. The hare and the pika are our only indigenous lagomorphs. I don’t see either often enough.
Finally, there was a Red-tailed Hawk. It was stationed near the tree line and looked towards the valley, almost as if the hawk were a sentinel at the entrance to the alpine tundra.
I had a family of Snowshoe hares living under my shed but a big wild cat visited and no more hares. I identified it as Lynx at the time but am less certain now, no time for a picture of course and I didn’t take notes as to why I thought Lynx not Bobcat. Magnificent sighting either way. 🙂
Again I’ve learned from your posts. Thanks.