This solo bird, unafraid, was hopping around in a pool in which the horses were drinking. He looked like a crow, but the whitish wings are confusing. Maybe it's reflected light? Not sure.
He seemed to be capturing bugs from the water,
sometimes rooting them out from soft dirt along the edge.
While riding in the upper end of Horshoe Canyon, Boss pricked his ears at movement above us on steep terrain, just below the Navajo cliffs. He's usually the first one to spot wildlife. We followed his lead and scanned the area for motion. Can you spot anything mid-photo?
We soon saw these wild burros, who stopped to take a good look at us, the interlopers passing by.
While driving along the road from the Horseshoe Canyon Trailhead, we saw a group of wild horses. Note the many bite-shaped scars on this old warrior's body.
They galloped off across the desert.
Regarding the human critters who come this way, the information kiosk along the road has posted the above sign. Apparently, the 127 Hours movie/book has attracted a plethora of climbers to Blue John Canyon. Sounds like no one's too interested in rescuing the unprepared, and you can expect to pay Wayne County big bucks if they have to go in to find you. Beware!
It always amazes me when hikers get stuck somewhere and people have to put their lives in danger in order to try to save them. This happens a lot in the dead of winter… I don't think people should be hiking then in deep snow. They should NEVER expect someone to have to rescue them….
ReplyDeleteGreat critters today… I didn't know there were wild burros… I knew about wild horses --but have never seen or read about wild burros. NEAT!!!
Thanks for sharing.
Hugs,
Betsy
Thanks for sharing these critters with us. You have great eye sight to see those burros up there near the cliffs. Did you heed the warning and stay away from Blue John Canyon?
ReplyDeleteAmazing to see wild burros and horses, beautiful scenery!
ReplyDeleteThe burros look to have the ultimate life roaming free. I know though the BLM has round-ups very once in awhile. Interesting read on the poster. Odd they have the helicopter rescue fee listed with the big buck number first.
ReplyDeleteThe crow could have partial leucism, with only some of the primary feathers being affected. Wikipedia says it's common in crows. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leucism
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed your critters in this post Janie, especially the old warrior. Great photos!
ReplyDeleteWonderful critters. I especially love the burros. The old warrior is amazing.
ReplyDeleteWe are planning to be in your canyon country pretty soon. I can't wait! Your blog has helped pique my excitement!
Those are some of the most colorfully marked burros I've ever seen.
ReplyDeleteEven though true accidents do happen more frequently they happen to the unprepared and I think it's more than fair you pay for your own rescue.
Beautiful scenery - I just love the brilliant blue sky against the red rock formations! Good ol' Boss is very attentive!
ReplyDeleteI've read the book (Between a Rock and a Hard Place) and seen the movie (127 Hours). I'm still amazed that he could amputate his own arm to save himself. He was, most certainly, lucky to survive.
~Lindy
Great find those wild burros. That old horse is interesting also.
ReplyDeleteInteresting sign. I'd sure be reading and heeding.
Yikes. Well so much for my plants to take up canyoneering at age 72....:)
ReplyDeleteNo-one can claim they haven't been warned . . .
ReplyDeleteBoss must have good eyes and/or ears to be the first to detect wildlife.
ReplyDeleteAs for the sign, I think intrepid adventurers need to pay for being rescued when they insist on doing something known to be dangerous. Just sayin'.
wow, you got to see a herd of wild horses. I've never seen one. My daughter did when she went on a run down Desolation Canyon.
ReplyDeletewell, I think we need such untamed and unprotected outdoors too!!!!
ReplyDeletehttp://www.myunfinishedlife.com
Amazing sighting wild burros. Are they horses or donkeys ?
ReplyDelete