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May 29, 2012

Spring in the High Country

Spring has arrived, even in the mountains.  The aspens are just beginning to leaf out at 9000 feet. 
The north facing slopes still have some snow, but it's fading fast. 
We ride to the top of Coyote Ridge, at nearly 10,000 ft. 
A dirt road travels along the crest. We follow it for a while to take in the Uinta views. 
A pair of kestrels perch in a tree.  When we approach for a closer photo, they fly away.
A white-crowned sparrow stays put for the camera. 
We also see a coyote bound through the sage.  A photo attempt is unsuccessful.
Daisy tries to keep up with a half dozen elk that run ahead of us, but elk are notoriously uncooperative.  A couple of sandhill cranes are hanging out near some old beaver dams.  They lift off as we approach.
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17 comments:

  1. John @ Beans and I on the LooseTuesday, May 29, 2012

    Beautiful. On the eastern slopes of the Sierra the aspen are in full leaf. Camp was at 8,000 so that may mean the difference.

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  2. DeniseinVATuesday, May 29, 2012

    These photos just about take my breath away Janie.

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  3. pennyTuesday, May 29, 2012

    It seems so strange to still see snow but I tend to forget the elevation of those beautiful mountains views.
    Lovely shot of the sweet white-crowned sparrow.
    Thanks for sharing your trail ride, Janie.

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  4. DebTuesday, May 29, 2012

    so beautiful...we hit 95 here in Texas today....so much for spring...

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  5. Betsy Banks AdamsTuesday, May 29, 2012

    Great pictures, Janie. I'm jealous... Was it quite cool up there at 10,000 feet??? I remember going up 11,000 feet in Colorado last June --and seeing snow...

    Love the birdies... Bet they are glad that it's spring!!!!!

    Hugs,
    Betsy

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  6. The Equestrian VagabondTuesday, May 29, 2012

    the snow up in our Owyhee mountains is almost gone already - way early! Lovely shots, as usual.
    - The Equestrian Vagabond

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  7. GeorgeTuesday, May 29, 2012

    What a beautiful place for a ride. I love the mountains with the left-over snow on them. The portrait of the sparrow is marvelous.

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  8. GaelynTuesday, May 29, 2012

    There is much new life coming to Coyote Ridge. What you've captured in these wonderful photos will bring the memories of more.

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  9. BarbWednesday, May 30, 2012

    An ode to spring in the high country! Your state is so beautiful, Janie - I'm still looking at my UT photos and reliving our trip. My gardens which are above 10,000' are already green but temps at night have been going into 20's.

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  10. Diane AZWednesday, May 30, 2012

    A pair of kestrels! I've never seen more than one at a time. Those Uinta views are breathtaking. :)

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  11. LindyWednesday, May 30, 2012

    What a beautiful ride. Love the images of the kestrels and sparrow. I see kestrels around here, out in the country, but have never been quick enough to get their photo.

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  12. sweetbayWednesday, May 30, 2012

    The kestrels are so cute. 9000 feet seems so high -- the highest peak is NC is 6600 feet and that seems like a different world than the rest of the state.

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  13. Busy Bee SuzWednesday, May 30, 2012

    I love all the photos....and you make me feel like I am there with you; always.

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  14. ashokThursday, May 31, 2012

    wow...beautiful images! especially liked the pair of kestrels...

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  15. kayerjThursday, May 31, 2012

    I love spring in the high country--maybe this year it won't snow all spring like it did last year.

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  16. Yogi♪♪♪Friday, June 01, 2012

    Certainly a lot going on at 10,000 feet. The photo of the kestrels is wonderful.

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  17. EG CameraGirlSaturday, June 02, 2012

    Lucky you to have gotten that close to the kestrels! The scenery is so lovely that I can see why you enjoy riding there. Daisy is such a trooper!

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