July 12, 2008

Both a fawn mule deer and a fawn elk were spotted this week in the Cove Creek canyons. The fawn deer was high-hopping across the rocks as its mother watched from above. Fresh elk tracks could be seen along trails at the base of the canyons, as well. And while most animals choose to wander over or around or even under the rocks, this week a bird's nest was found inside of a rock (see photo). The small hole, 6 feet up a lichen-covered rock face, provided a well-protected site for some songbird or flycatcher this spring. Erosion of nearby rocks has also carved some great shapes and recesses, as well. A couple of unfortunate patches of invasive thistles have started in a draw on the southern side of Cove Creek canyon, not too far from the house, so we'll have to put some work in there soon.