June 12, 2012

Wildlife Haven

We rode through green valleys starting at 7500 ft. north of Current Creek Reservoir,
ascending to 9500 ft. at Low Pass Road. 
This moose was knee deep in a beaver pond when we startled her.  We were startled, too, as she splashed out of the water to get away from the strange centaur-like invaders. 
She may have had a calf hidden in the aspens, because she ran to the trees and stood firm, staring at us until we were out of sight.  We were several hundred yards away, but a mama moose is no one to mess with.  We watched for any sign of aggression.  If she had charged, we would have made a speedy retreat.
We've seen sandhill cranes in this area several times.  Finally, we had a photo op.
A hairy woodpecker and his mate whistled and squawked at us.  They must have had a nest nearby, and all their noise was an attempt to scare us away.  Eventually, it worked. 
We saw lots of elk and deer.  Steve rode right past a deer fawn curled up in the brush.  It was tiny, probably only a few days old.  He would have taken a photo, but Daisy saw the fawn, too, so his efforts went toward containing Daisy so the fawn could safely escape. 
Can you see the pile of sticks in the bottom center of the photo?  That's a beaver dam, about 8 feet of engineering work at its deepest point.   
We rode up to check it out.  The beaver seemed to be gone and no longer maintaining the dam, but big pool of water remained, providing Daisy with a refreshing swim.

24 comments:

  1. Hi Janie, That was nice of that group of beaver to build that little pond JUST for Daisy.... I'm sure that Daisy said thanks!!!

    Beautiful area. Love seeing the moose --and glad 'she' didn't charge after you.

    Sandhill Cranes are beautiful --and I love the woodpeckers... What a neat area.

    Hugs,
    Betsy

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  2. what a beautiful place....love seeing Daisy enjoy herself...

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  3. what a beautiful place....love seeing Daisy enjoy herself...

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  4. Spectacular pics, Janie. Daisy is in doggy delight ... love the baby moose.
    TTFN ~
    Have a lovely eve ~
    Marydon

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  5. You had another beautiful area for a ride. I agree that you were wise to give Mama Moose some space. It looks as if Daisy enjoyed her swim.

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  6. I've never seen a moose or a sandhill crane so this ride was extra special. I always enjoy seeing Daisy in her watery heaven. More gorgeous country.

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  7. Miss Daisy is definitely a water dog. Beautiful shot of the moose.

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  8. What an unexpected surprise for you and the Moose, Janie.
    I did not know Sandhill cranes ventured up into the Utah mountains.
    Miss Daisy sure did enjoyed the fruits of the beavers labor.

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  9. Wildlife haven is a good title! I have never seen a moose but she doesn't look frightened to see you there. Looks like an enjoyable ride.

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  10. Lush green valley. Stunning shots of moose and birds.

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  11. Fascinating post! I've never seen a moose, a crane or a beaver dam in the wild. Daisy sure does look happy with all that water to swim in. :)

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  12. wow, how fun to see a Moose. They are pretty secretive. I've only seen 5 in my whole life. great ride today.

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  13. Splendid photos Janie, loved them all. Really neat to see the mother moose. I've seen them before up in Yellowstone and I will never forget how awesome they are, at a safe distance :) Thanks for stopping by, I am up and running again.

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  14. The moose is so cute...but yes, she could wreak havoc on a few nice humans. Seeing the beaver dam always makes me think that they are the best architects in the world!

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  15. Love your explorations and pictures...discover new things and keep sharing with us!!

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  16. These are terrific captures.
    I like the header shot very much.

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  17. Is that the elusive "albino beaver" in the last photograph?

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  18. Loved the moose shots. I keep looking out my kitchen window hoping "mine" will saunter by. Daisy looks refreshed.

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  19. Wow!! I still haven't seen a moose. That must have been exciting, when she was far enough away that is. There are a few in our area that I keep an eye out for.

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  20. Conrats on getting a photo of a sandhill crane. They are on my list of want-to-see-for-myself birds but they are only migrants here, and rare at that.

    Yep, you don't want to mess with a mama moose!

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  21. That Daisy sure loves to swim! You see so much on your rides, I am envious.

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  22. MOOSE! very cool.
    My trail crew spent a couple weeks one summer repairing trails flooded by darn beavers! we are trying to get beavers reintroduced on our creeks here.
    - The Equestrian Vagabond

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