Friday, December 17

Winter Gatherers

The sun was out yesterday and it wasn't too breezy, so I grabbed the camera and headed south to Custer Park, driving E to W on Hwy 16A to the town of Custer...then driving home via Hwy 385 N and Sheridan Lake Rd.....


I stopped in a turnout along French Creek near the Game Lodge area in the park, as I could see birds flitting about...this white-breasted nuthatch landed on the pine tree near the car for a few moments...


I stopped to eat my lunch (in the car) at Legion Lake, a real small lake in the park, which was frozen and covered with a layer of snow...I got out of the car when I saw a flash of movement over 100 yds away at Legion Lake Lodge...I took a shot hoping I could at least ID the bird...as I suspected, it was a gray jay, so they are back (winter migrators) and I have hopes of getting a decent photo this year, having only discovered them last year and not getting any good shots to date...


Out of the park and N on Hwy 385, the bighorn sheep were back at a favored spot, the junction for Sheridan Lake Rd. The male on the right obviously has a hokey rt horn...the sheep on the left appear to be yearlings...there were more adults there but all had their behinds to me, grazing...

 

I had to do my usual stop at Spring Creek picnic area...where I barged in on a squirrel at its pinecone 'factory'...it froze for minutes and I was able to take several shots but for some infuriating reason, none of them came out sharp...ARG!



The pinecone pit at a different angle...


Well hello again! I was walking along the road when I realized Mr. Squirrel was watching me from a tree near the roadside...he allowed me to take photos, which came out better...


What a cute poser...



Spring Creek at a different spot I frequent...


The creek's opposite edge, looking a bit chilly....


I could hear a gurgling sound so I investigated...the creek's current against the edge of the frozen surface was somehow creating this bubbling phenom...bloop!

2 comments:

  1. Hi Jann.
    Looks like you had a good drive around. Love the shots of the bubbling water, and the look on the Squirrels face,you captured it at just the right time.

    ReplyDelete
  2. cracking Nuthatch photo Jann. Its cold here too, but not as cold as it is with you!!

    ReplyDelete