Tuesday 27 September 2016

Mountain Wildlife


We did not see a great deal of wildlife in the mountains of Washington and Oregon.  Many of the slopes were heavily wooded with managed forest and above the timber line conditions were sparse.

At Mount Rainier we saw the young deer above, at a quiet moment at the end of the day near the visitor centre.


This Grey Jay was also at Mount Rainier.


At Mount St Helens we were shown mountain sheep high on the rocky slopes through a telescope - but no photos of course.

At our feet were scampering chipmunks and these slightly larger Ground Squirrels.  Some were feasting on the wildflower heads.  Others had discovered the picnic scrap possibilities of the large car park adjacent to the Observatory and looked hopeful - and very tame - as each car arrived.


Walking on a trail at Mount St Helens we saw a bird which is said to be quite common in many places in the US but which I had not seen before.


Rather well camouflaged in this photo, it is a wild turkey, one of a group of three who suddenly crossed our path.  Somewhat smaller than its domestic counterpart but unmistakable when one of them raised his tail feathers!

1 comment:

  1. Interesting selection of wildlife. I expect a lot more emerges when the visitors go home.

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