First thing this morning we all lined up along Lamar Valley and watched the sixteen wolf, Mollies pack, procession as they went from west to east and kept on going on the Lamar River Trail. At one point they passed right by a grizzly that was startled, and obviously intimidated by 16 wolves and so he took off running for the forest. The wolves never seemed to notice the grizzly as they were hot on the trail of some coyotes. From the sounds of things I’m afraid them might have gotten one.
The Mountain bluebird was hanging out on top of the outhouse at Hitching Post, which they do every year while contemplating the many nests under the eaves.
Bill H. told me that another grizzly was further west in the valley with a bison calf. The mom was not around so Bill thought that maybe the calf was stillborn.
So, bye bye Mollies. Personally, I love watching the Mollies and think that they are an amazing pack. This does not diminish my feelings for the Lamar Canyons and my wishes for their survival, but the Mollies really do have a place of respect in my heart.
In Lamar Canyon the osprey couple was back again and building a new nest in a new tree. Their nests have failed for the last two years – they don’t choose very good, sturdy trees. The couple was busy bringing in sticks and breaking them apart to fit just right. Truly fascinating to watch the craft of the birds and this year the nest is going up in view. Still distant, across the river but neat to watch.
While watching the ospreys, the roar of the Lamar River was deafening. The water is rising and moving fast.
In Little America the only bison calf was visible, sleeping in the sunshine. Apparently the other bison are a threat to the calf because mama had to run them off several times. She was keeping a good eye on the youngster, which already looks bigger at only 3 days. Sleepy one though.
Did not see the Picnic bears around today.
Hiked down Hell Roaring in hopes of seeing Pika. They were not in their usual spot and weren’t there last fall, but I could hear some on another talus. Heard several times but not seen. The sun, even with clouds, feels like it is just bouncing off of the earth, making viewing difficult.
Also hiked around some other areas, looking for owls nests. No luck today but I did go up on top of this big hill that has amazing views and just sit there for awhile. So quiet and peaceful. Had to fight the urge to keep on hiking but I was not equipped for a long adventure.
The Phantom sow and cub have finally emerged from their den. She had two cubs last year so one was lost. And, her eyes still look horrible but she seemed robust and energetic.
The day actually felt hot. I toyed with hiking up to Swan Flat but the road was busy with cyclists and I really needed to spend some time at home and getting work done. Maybe tomorrow.
Until then…
