Nature News: Signs of Spring, and a Howl!
Posted on Monday, March 8th, 2010
(Cross-country skiing in Grand Teton National Park.)
February was a month with a shallow snowpack, a mix of weather and increased light as the rays of the sun track back to the Northern Hemisphere. About 300 inches of snow have fallen in the mountains, and water content remains at about 60 percent of average.
As days lengthen and winter begins to wane, I reflect on past years and compare them to this one. Last year, we had numerous robins that remained in the valley. This season, I have not seen one.
A herd of about 20 pronghorns has remained in the Jackson Hole valley instead of migrating south and east in the state. Pronghorn have never adapted to a deeper snowpack, so as the valley becomes white, they can’t find food. This year, with little snow cover, some might survive. Why didn’t they leave?
(Photo by Harry Engels, The National Audubon Society Collection/Photo Researchers)
We have a herd of about 100 bighorn sheep that live on the Teton peaks. Due to loss of winter habitat, they remain on the high peaks, surviving this harsh season by limiting their movements and possibly eating lichen. What an existence. Limit your movements, lose calories and wait for spring. Biologists are concerned for this herd. Habitat loss from human encroachment confines them to the high country.
The talk around town is definitely spring. The snow is heavier with our warmer temperatures, but Old Man Winter hasn’t quite let go. During the last week of February, overnight temperatures were below zero.
Light penetrating the snow will become stronger, causing bears to rise, rodents to mate, and the start of the growing season with the first spring blooms. I am awaiting the change and have enjoyed the longer days, lighter gloves and thinner long underwear.
I recently read in our daily paper that bear sign has been spotted. They are up earlier than usual but not uncommon for a milder season.
What’s in the woods:
2/2 — Shadow Mountain: herd of about 50 bison
2/3 — Gros Ventre River: elk feeding in river bottom
2/6 — cold
2/9 — Gros Ventre River: female moose
2/14 — backyard bird count: magpies, ravens, northern flickers, downy woodpecker, goldfinch
2/16 — Moose Creek: wolf tracks and howling wolves!
2/17 — Fox Creek: mature bald eagle
2/18 — Snake River: female moose
2/19 — Teton Canyon: Townsend solitaire
2/19 — Alta, WY: mature bald eagle
2/23 — Darby Canyon: horned larks, three rough-legged hawks
2/25 — Driggs, Idaho: mature bald eagle
2/25 — backyard: gold finches, chickadees, downy woodpecker, magpies
Tour Suggestion
A monthly highlight was a cross-country ski tour up Moose Creek in Teton Valley, Idaho. I was the only one in the canyon with my three canine companions. As I skied along, I noticed canine tracks in front of me that were a lot larger than my friend the black Lab. Wolf tracks? Well, yes they were. I stopped and listened. I was near the creek but could clearly hear a wolf or two howling above me. What a feeling! It was awesome. I turned around because wolves are territorial, but I wouldn’t have traded the experience for anything. Moose Creek is fun to explore at any time of the year. It is an easier ski, but you have to take your skis off to cross some small creeks.
To access the trailhead, you will see a sign for Moose Creek Ranch off Highway 33. It is on the east side of the road and 3.5 miles from Victor (heading east) or a quarter-mile past the Mike Harris Campground turn-off if coming from Jackson. Turn onto the paved road and turn immediately left, then right. Follow the signs to the ranch. In the winter, the road will dead end at the ranch. Have fun! Look for large canine tracks and listen.
