Tuesday, July 10, 2012

Out our Window

Here at the San Luis Valley National Wildlife Refuge Complex, the habitat is developed and maintained mainly for breeding waterfowl and shorebirds. But there are a few large mammals here as well, including Mule Deer, Pronghorn, and Elk.  These two bull elk passed by just a hundred or so feet from our front door one afternoon.  We noticed that their antlers are still growing and in the velvet stage.

As the summer progresses their antlers will develop fully and will shed the velvet to reveal the hard, bony antlers.
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4 comments:

  1. Travels with EmmaJuly 10, 2012 at 8:05 AM

    What state is this refuge in?

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  2. Mark & TeriJuly 10, 2012 at 1:35 PM

    Hi Judy-

    We are in Southern Colorado, not too far north of the New Mexico border. The refuge is at about 7500 foot elevation, so we've escaped most of the heat wave.

    This refuge doesn't have the type of highly organized volunteer program that we've encountered at other refuges, but they are super friendly here and very pleased to have the assistance. I don't know what they would ask of a single volunteer, but I'd guess it would be 20-24 hours each week.

    Let us know if you would like contact information.

    Mark

    ReplyDelete
  3. Wallace and Carolyn SternbergJuly 10, 2012 at 5:24 PM

    The area looks much like this area where we are, we just happen to be higher at 8200'. This refuge is the highest elevation of any refuge in the lower 48.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Mark & TeriJuly 10, 2012 at 5:36 PM

    But we don't have any moose!!

    Mark

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