Mountain Goats of the Rockies - Paparazzi style
High up in the Rockies, specifically along the region of Mount Evans, Colorado lives some of the hardiest wildlife and amongst them are the herds of mountain goats which roam the 14, 270 foot high peak.
These goats, while not native to Colorado's alpine tundra, have adapted very well to the region and every summer they make their way up and down the high mountains to seek out minerals and escape from the warmer valley floors. These particular goats have lived in the region between Mount Evans and its sister Bierstadt Peak and because of the fairly easy access from the road, its not unusual to get close encounters with these gentle creatures.
Of special delight is when the mothers bring their kids (Yes, arent they perfectly named?) up the slopes mere days after they were born. Watching them is especially fun because they do tend to get themselves into quite a bit of trouble under Mom's watchful eye.
Occasionally, the mother goat has to put them in their place and remind them that she's in charge. This Mom throws some dirt at her kid to keep him from stomping all over her...
...but it doesnt always stop the tomfoolery of the kids.
Of course, sometimes curiosity gets the best of them. And that's when the trouble (or fun) begins. These goats, while very wild, are quite curious creatures and do not seem to mind their human paparazzi presence. In fact, sometimes it seems like they purposely try to creep up close and personal and see what the big deal is with the cameras.
Even the kids like getting close (maybe too close!)
Fortunately, they dont get too close but even then, its best to mind one's surroundings and not be a threat to them. They are so inquisitive that they can literally pass within feet of a person in the summit parking lot and not even mind us.
Of course viewing from a distance is best, but sometimes they have a mind of their own and just sneak up on us!
There is a structure and observatory at the summit of the peak with equipment that must be valued in the millions of dollars range. Try telling that to this one as he lounges in his very own townhome.
All in all, its a great time for all. Just be wary if you ever visit, 14,000 feet altitude can wreak havoc on some of us flatlanders after a couple of hours. Thanks for looking! :thumb
Canon 1dsMarkIII 70-200f2.8L & 400mm f2.8L
These goats, while not native to Colorado's alpine tundra, have adapted very well to the region and every summer they make their way up and down the high mountains to seek out minerals and escape from the warmer valley floors. These particular goats have lived in the region between Mount Evans and its sister Bierstadt Peak and because of the fairly easy access from the road, its not unusual to get close encounters with these gentle creatures.
Of special delight is when the mothers bring their kids (Yes, arent they perfectly named?) up the slopes mere days after they were born. Watching them is especially fun because they do tend to get themselves into quite a bit of trouble under Mom's watchful eye.
Occasionally, the mother goat has to put them in their place and remind them that she's in charge. This Mom throws some dirt at her kid to keep him from stomping all over her...
...but it doesnt always stop the tomfoolery of the kids.
Of course, sometimes curiosity gets the best of them. And that's when the trouble (or fun) begins. These goats, while very wild, are quite curious creatures and do not seem to mind their human paparazzi presence. In fact, sometimes it seems like they purposely try to creep up close and personal and see what the big deal is with the cameras.
Even the kids like getting close (maybe too close!)
Fortunately, they dont get too close but even then, its best to mind one's surroundings and not be a threat to them. They are so inquisitive that they can literally pass within feet of a person in the summit parking lot and not even mind us.
Of course viewing from a distance is best, but sometimes they have a mind of their own and just sneak up on us!
There is a structure and observatory at the summit of the peak with equipment that must be valued in the millions of dollars range. Try telling that to this one as he lounges in his very own townhome.
All in all, its a great time for all. Just be wary if you ever visit, 14,000 feet altitude can wreak havoc on some of us flatlanders after a couple of hours. Thanks for looking! :thumb
Canon 1dsMarkIII 70-200f2.8L & 400mm f2.8L
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Dave
just as the pronghorn is not really an antelope, the mountain goat is not really a goat. They are more closely related to the chamois of the Alps or even antelope.
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