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.

17 comments:

  1. 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. These photos just about take my breath away Janie.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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  17. 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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