More Than MegaFauna

by Michael Hodges

by Jim Osterberg

by Jesse Speer

There is more to wildlife watching than the big and the furry. Watch magpies in a meadow pouncing on grasshoppers. Stop by a stream to study a trout's sleek style. Look closely at wildflowers to discover the butterflies, longhorn beetles, and leafhoppers that live around plants. Exploring with a hand lens can open up a dramatic world of small lives.

Listen for wild sounds. Marmots whistle and hummingbirds trill by day. By starlight, owls and coyotes hoot and bay.

What is the best way to see wildlife at Rocky? Just pick a spot - say, in a meadow or near a stream-and sit quietly. Soon animals nearby will become active again. Meanwhile, as John Muir said, "Nature's peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees ... while cares will drop off like autumn leaves."

Explore!

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