At the close of A Trip to Bandelier National Monument, Part I we were about to return to the Nature Trail after making a detour to Alcove House at Bandelier National Monument.
We saw a Mule Deer doe browsing quite close to the trail. She was not concerned about three photographers pointing long lenses at her, and she continued to consume a great deal of Gambel Oak as we photographed her.
Mule Deer doe
A hungry girl.
This cute little Rock Squirrel paused next to the trail just long enough for me to take its photo.
Rock Squirrel
I saw a lovely Abert’s Squirrel peeking at me from a branch of a Ponderosa Pine.
Abert's Squirrel
Bosque Bill stopped along the trail to talk to some other birders, and I wandered away, looking at the beautiful, tiny butterflies that seemed to be everywhere in the park.
Spring Azure Butterfly on a Big Golden Pea Plant.
As I wandered away from the trail, Bosque Bill, thinking that I was ahead of him, hurried back to where we had agreed to meet. Not knowing that Bill was ahead of me, I wandered along at a leisurely pace, waiting for him to catch up with me. As I wandered along, I saw a number of birds to photograph.
Male Black-headed Grosbeak
Female Black-headed Grosbeak
Steller's Jay
At one point along the Nature Trail I could see the ruins through the trees across the floor of Frijoles Canyon.
Ancient Pueblo ruins, glimpsed through the trees.
As I walked along, wondering what had happened to Eric and Bill, I saw warblers, swallows, goldfinches and vireos flitting through the trees. I heard woodpeckers pounding on tree bark. It was a lovely, peaceful walk. When I reached our rendez-vous point, Eric and Bill were waiting patiently for me. We ate dessert, which we had not eaten with our lunch. I saw a Canyon Towhee at the edge of the picnic area.
Canyon Towhee
After we finished our dessert we decided to walk around the lower parking lot where Bill had seen the Grace’s Warbler earlier in the day. Although we did not see the warbler, we did see a gorgeous Hepatic Tanager, our best bird of the day.
Hepatic Tanager
Hepatic Tanager, another view.
As we left, we took the opportunity to look down into Frijoles Canyon from the road on the mesa above.
Frijoles Canyon seen from the mesa above the canyon.
Bandelier National Monument is a wonderful place to see both Ancient Pueblo culture and a nice variety of wildlife. Be sure to make time to visit when you come to New Mexico.
Pretty images – LOVE the tanager!
What a spectacular trip – lucky you, Eric and Bosque Bill – so much to see, birds, historic ruins, critters – and the peace of a fabulous walking trail. You should be paid for your wonderful “tourist guide” – such a great post. Thanks for sharing your mother’s day present so beautifully.
Your Muledeer pic reminded of one time we were in Davis Mountains State Park. On the path to the bird blind there, we literally had to step over a mulie that was lying in our way. He wasn’t bother at all.
A nice collection of bird photos again, Linda. Thanks for sharing.
Bob
Someday I’ll tell you about the time that I was chased by the killer mule deer. . . I’m a bit cautious with them these days.
Thanks Cynthia, Barbara and Bob. Bandelier is such a beautiful place. Wish you could all go there with me!
Oh what a lovely series, Linda! Nature at its finest! Bandelier sounds and looks like paradise. The scenic images are so very stunning. Gorgeous bird and nature shots. Fantastic post!
Another wonderful post. You get to see so many birds that I probably never will, lucky! The Steller’s Jay has always intrigued me, especially enjoyed that capture.
Thanks Julie and Debbie. Bandelier really is a lovely place. I’m happy to have the opportunity to share it with you. You’re just going to have to come to NM so I can show it to you in person.