Diario de jay

https://bioone.org/journals/western-north-american-naturalist/volume-76/issue-4/064.076.0408/Behavioral-Ecology-of-American-Pikas-Ochotona-princeps-at-Mono-Craters/10.3398/064.076.0408.short

Yet another reason to take a field trip to Mono Lake, the Sierras and Yosemite.

Fox squirrels are now common in the neighborhood. I have not done much hiking in the past year due to the crowds on the trails due to the pandemic and population boom. It will be interesting to see if they have expanded their range in the mountains.

https://nhmu.utah.edu/blog/foxSquirrel

Traveled to a dependable location to observe the Snow/Ross Geese migration. As predicted, thousands descended onto a corn-stubble field to roost near the Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge. Watching this spectacle inspired me to investigate the social structure of these species. Are they similar to Canada Geese, with distinct family units? I found an excellent introduction here:

http://animalia.bio/snow-goose

Frequently see them when kayaking Little Delle. Much easier to see their handiwork on the creek this time of year.

It is with heavy hearts that we bring you news on the conclusion of young condor 832's journey. After a spectacular 500 mile flight through Utah and into Wyoming, 832 was found deceased by our biologist in the field. She was last seen by so many at Medicine Bow Peak before taking off to explore more of this beautiful country. Peregrine Fund biologist, Josh Young, was able to track down her location using radio telemetry, but by the time he reached her it was too late. The cause of death is currently under investigation by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and we will update you as we know more information. But in the meantime, we urge you not to speculate about what may have contributed to her eventual passing until we have more information.

We will never be able to erase those breathtaking images from our mind of T2 majestically perched atop a mountain in Wyoming. Our sincere thanks to the citizen scientists who helped provide information of her whereabouts on her journey north. Also, thanks to all the lovers of condors out there who support the tireless work of those who have, and those who continue to dedicate their lives to bringing this species back from the brink.

Photo of 832 shortly after she was released into the wild this past spring. Photo credit Alan Clampitt.

https://blogs.scientificamerican.com/running-ponies/here-8217-s-why-mass-poisoning-pikas-is-a-terrible-idea-and-not-just-because-look-at-their-fat-little-faces/

https://academic.oup.com/jmammal/article/91/5/1287/903179

It's difficult to visit many known American Pika sites right now due to muddy conditions on the trails leading to the talus. However, I did manage to find a new location near a ski lift access road and observe one from a distance. Colder weather in the coming week or two should allow better access, until snow starts to get deep.

First Zion and now Tahoe, is the Wasatch Front next?

https://ww2.kqed.org/science/2017/08/31/climate-change-spells-extinction-for-pikas-of-lake-tahoe/

First time I've observed a bull, cow and calf together in the same place.