Wildlife to enjoy

Just after sunrise this morning a stately, single-file parade of 22 cow elk trudged along the taxiway at the west of our property, their tan coats blending into the morning fog. Their procession stopped as they came to a lush green field where they grazed briefly before slowly entering the forest reserve to the north.

Most often in wintertime we see elk. They winter in the forest reserve to the north. Other times, especially during warmer months we see deer, both adult and young as the nibble tender leaves of nearby plants.

Only twice have we seen coyotes, recently a pair hunting in the wetland area at our west. It appeared that this stealthy pair stole a captured prey from a low-flying hawk, sharing their prize as the sunlight caught them. The second time we saw than loping along the wetland on the south of our property as they headed west, apparently to return home in the forest. These coyotes were the healthiest I had seen: Mature canines with good size and energetic pace.

We know there are other wild animals around, rabbits and other four-footed omnivores, only once did we see a raccoon, though we know of numerous ponds and drainage areas, an assumed there were others around.

Also we have been delighted watching the soaring flights and long dives of raptors, especially red-tail hawks and bald eagles.

While we must wait for exciting sightings, we find joy in watching each as it lives its wild life around our civilized ones.

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