our new neighbors

These two eagles have been hanging out across the river from our place for the last three weeks or so. Yesterday, (while on a conference call) I saw one of them grab a fish - first time I've ever seen that - and then fly into the trees. Another big bird, I think it might have been a golden eagle or a very big immature bald or maybe a very dark osprey, followed it into the trees hoping to steal the meal, but I didn't see what happened.

The local ospreys haven't taken to the eagles and routinely harass and shriek at them, but so far the eagles haven't been bothered.

memorial day

Is it warm where you are? Because it's not here...while the rest of the country is at the beach, wearing shorts, having BBQ's, we're dealing with snow, snow, and more snow.

Here's a shot from the Hayden Valley today:


This week has found many road closures in the park due to weather. The openings of Dunraven Pass and the Beartooth Highway have been pushed back (6/10 and 6/3). There's a rock slide that has indefinitely closed the road between Mammoth and Tower, isolating the NE corner of the park. The East Entrance is only open between 8 p.m. - 10 a.m. due to Avalanche danger, and the roof of the Fishing Bridge service station recently collapsed under the weight of the snow.


We decided to brave the snow and drove the lower loop today. Steve patiently waited out a snow storm


so that he could jump in the Firehole River for a bit.


I snapped a few pics of an Osprey flying overhead before retreating to the comfort (ie, warmth) of the car.


Yellowstone Lake, still very much frozen.


It's always nice to be out and about in the park, but we're ready for some warmer weather to come our way...