I dream of Colorado

After dreaming about it for so long, I finally made it to Colorado and this time I took my parents with me. My first goal was the Rocky Mountain National Park. The fall greeted us as we drove up the mountains. Patches of yellow, orange and red escorted us along the way. Yellow grass, blue sky and sheep-like clouds formed the view wherever we turned.

The first sign for what we were about to encounter next was literally at the entrance sign. As soon as we stepped out from the car we were surrounded by cute little squirrels like this Golden-Mantled Ground Squirrel, beautiful jays and magpies. It seems that all these little creatures associate humans and food so they come right out to see if they are going to be lucky. One man standing next to me told me that the minute he opened the door a magpie immediately jumped in it to look for food.

It is very tempting to feed the wild animals, especially when they are begging for food. However, feeding wildlife is illegal and dangerous to the animals, as well as humans. One of the things one should always keep in mind is that different animals have different reactions to the same type of food. For example, most humans love avocados but it is extremely toxic to birds and also to horses, cattle and goats. Sometimes, feeding wildlife can be lethal. 

During our first day at the park we roamed around Horseshoe Park and Bear Lake. Around sunset we saw dozens of elks; bulls, cows and calves, coming from the mountain's forest toward the meadows. We heard the studs call and saw them rounding up their harems and chasing away satellite bulls who were fighting in the background.    

After seeing all the elks I was desperately looking for moose. When the sun set down I found one, but it was already too dark to take a photo. Meeting some of the locals, I ask them about the best places to see moose. They laughed and told me that the best place to see them is in their backyard. They also said that "moose are mean animals, they will stomp you to death. Mothers with calves are especially protective and you should keep away from them. You know, our old mayor was killed by a moose".

Early morning, two hours before sunrise we drove into the park. The moon, or should I say super-moon, was over the mountains looking very impressive. The sun began to rise and colored the meadows and the elks with gold.

After the sun came out we took the "Trail Ridge Road" up to the sky. During our first stop on the trail, we were again surrounded with squirrels and birds looking for food. This time, the Clark's Nutcracker, also appeared. The squirrels were fearless and they climb the humans as if there were rocks. One of them was climbing my hand while I was taking their photos. 

The weather and landscape changed dramatically as we drove to the top. It was freezing cold and occasionally snowing. At the top of the trail I was looking for pikas. If the pika looks familiar it is probably because of the pokemon Pikachu which is basically a pika. We started walking and found some elks and bighorn sheep. After a few minutes of sitting near the rocks and staring at them they finally showed up, running between the rocks and collecting food for the upcoming winter.

Stopping at the Alpine Visitor Center along the way we saw two yellow bellied marmot as we were walking through the back door of the center. They were collecting food and couldn't care less about all the people that gathered around to watch them. 

At this point we all had mild symptoms of  mountain sickness in the form of a headache, so we headed down the mountain. The Rocky Mountains were breathtaking, the view was spectacular and looking back it all felt like a dream. I only wish I could dream this dream forever.    

More Photos from Colorado - Mount Evans, Garden of the Gods & Pikes Peak:

California Dreams

I always wanted to see wild elks. I spent hours looking for them at Yosemite National Park, but I never saw one. Finally, a few years ago I found out that there is a small herd of elks about an hour drive from San Francisco in a place called Point Reyes National Seashore. That same weekend I drove to Point Reyes and I was not disappointed, with all the wildlife I saw there it was almost like going to the Safari in Africa.

Last weekend I visited Point Reyes again and this time I found the famous cypress tree tunnel. I'm not sure how I managed to miss it during the previous two times I have been there. To a photographer the tree tunnel is a must! It is located on the main road, near Point Reyes beach north, just look for a sign that says: "North Historic Operation Center". As it was almost the middle of the day the sun was not in the best position but, I did my best. My first priority was to photograph the elks during sunset so I knew this was my only chance to capture the tunnel. After enjoying the tunnel for about half an hour, I drove directly to the lighthouse and elephant seal overlook.

The elephant seals were laying far away on the beach but I was delighted to see a group of dolphins approaching. The first sign for dolphins was a flock of birds (pelicans, seagulls and cormorants) aggregated in the water before me. A quick look around and I spotted a group of dolphins swimming in circles, some of them were mothers with calves. After looking at the photos, and with the help of Point Reyes staff, we identified them as Harbor Porpoises.

Not to far from them, while walking towards the Historic Lifeboat Station, I saw some colorful birds. At first I mistook them for puffins, but a closer look reveled they were Surf Scoters. These large ducks were the perfect ending for this part of the park.

Driving away from the elephant seal overlook I looked for the Black-tailed deer. They are very easy to spot at Point Reyes and always a delight to look at. After spotting the first deer it is very easy to spot the rest of them and it is also a good practice for finding other animals in the bush,

Birds of prey are also very easy to spot at the side of the road. They will usually stand on poles and road signs. Mostly I saw turkey vultures and red tailed hawks but a few times I was fortunate enough to see the peregrine falcon and burrowing owl. After practicing on spotting deer and birds of prey while driving I caught in the corner of my eye a Black-tailed jackrabbit.

The jackrabbit was sitting in the grass, near a farm house. By the time I processed my thoughts I already passed it with my car. I pulled back and took a quick photo, I was worried that a bird of prey will spot it because of me so I quickly drove away and continued my way to the Tule elk reserve.

I didn't have to look too far to see the elks, a big herd was standing on the side of the road. There was one bull, about 20 females, 4 calves and a few adolescents males. The sun was beginning to set and the light was perfect for taking photos. Howling coyotes added a soundtrack to the wild atmosphere.

After spending two or three hours with the elks I decided to take advantage on the remaining light and look for animals on my way back home. Driving back, every few minutes, I saw a brush rabbit grazing. Later, I was greeted by the California quail, standing on a pole a few miles after the elk's exit gate.

Last but not least, after practicing on spotting wildlife the whole day, I saw the Great horned owl standing at the top of a tree. This owl, unlike the frightened rabbits, was not impressed by the car. He flew directly above my head, from the tree to the field across.

As I drove out of the park I saw a small but colorful rainbow hiding in the blue-purple skies, it was a beautiful sunset and a perfect day, I can't wait for my next visit at Point Reyes.