Winter in the Park

Bald Eagle Relaxing on the Ice

I have not done much with this blog since the readership started to dry up two years ago. I am still around and still spending much time, maybe too much in the park. Thought I would share some of my photos from last week in Guernsey State Park.

From Mae West Hill

Twisted Cedar at Spotted Tail Campground

Frozen Lake from Sitting Bull Shelter

Newell Bay

Guernsey State Park Wyoming - 20 Minute Drive

Once again there was some worrisome cross traffic in the park

No time for a hike today so, I settled for a quick drive in the park.

Geese in the air

Well, "Hello There."

Still not much water but with the recent snowfall, many of the low spots have water.

Moving Wyoming Coal

Bald Eagle Ice Hockey

Guernsey State Park - North Bluff Trail

It was a bit on the cool side when we hiked in the park early this afternoon. Our choice of a trail today started at the Castle as we hiked the North Bluff Trail. With the temperature around 30, we moved pretty fast, for us, the first part of the trail. This hike took just under an hour and a half with the temperature rising to 37, but the wind was coming up by the time we finished.

The Castle looking from the west

This trail has a nice turnaround allowing hikers to go away from the Castle on the lower trail along the river/lake and return through the bluffs on the upper trail. 

Nice view of Laramie Peak along the trail

It could be hiked in less than half the time we do it, but we often spend time looking around, resting and taking photos along the way. I use my camera as an excuse to rest, “Wait a minute, I want to take a few shots of the peak, or deer, turkey, rocks, trees, anything to catch my breath.”  

Less than a quarter of a mile along the trail

This trail follows the high ridge above the lake going west then turns south with the lake about a half mile into the hike. Like most trails in the park, this one offers spectacular views and normally some wildlife along the way. We watched a pair of Bald Eagles and scared up four deer along the way.

Dress warm and give it a try, fresh air and exercise are good for everyone.  

Great Christmas Gift - Read all about the Civilian Conservation Corps

 and the building of Guernsey State Park. Click the link and look at a free sample. 

Ice is Breaking Down on Wyoming Lakes

The state has issued a warning to ice fisherman to be careful as much of the states ice is no longer safe for walking or standing on when ice fishing. I have never seen anyone ice fishing on Guernsey Lake but I have seen people playing on the ice. Now is the time to stay off. 

Can Spring really be coming this soon? Probably not!

Ice Can Draw an Interesting Picture

Open Water and Ice at Sandy Beach

Flying Toward Spring

What A Sweet Couple

My wife would say, “oh what a sweet couple,” and they are.

What am I talking about?

There is a nice pair of Bald Eagles in the park, eagles commonly mate for life and both of these are mature adults, maybe we will have some babies in March.

Eagles are not as disturbed by human’s this time of year as they are in spring and summer, but never the less, I stayed well back, these photos are from about 300 yards, maybe a bit more.

A Very Nice Couple

The Female - Females are typically 25% larger than Males

The Male and at least this one, much more skitterish than the Female

Eagle in the Park

Here is day three of my five day nature photo posts - these I took today about 3:30.

Eagles are wary and hard to get close-up shots so I had to settle for extending the telephoto for today's eagle photos, I did get within about 250 or 300 yards or.

Against the Red Cliffs

Turning to see if I am still there

That will be enough photos for today

Couldn't pass up these three as I was leaving the park.

Here's looking at you