Cooler temperatures dominated the month. I had to remind myself that May is historically our wettest month and mentally welcome the continual moisture. More snow fell in the high country but at this point most of the valley is bare. Due to our late spring, some campground and trail openings have been delayed because of the remaining snow pack. Rivers and streams are muddy as the snow melts and sediments are transported throughout the valley.

As I began to hike Munger Mountain this spring, my mind reflects on the red squirrel and all its’ cached cones. Now, I see the remnants: shredded cones and scales, piles of debris. This little squirrel knew of the upcoming winter. Nature continues to amaze me with the connectedness of all beings. We could learn a lot.

I think about our spring weather with the cold, rainy days and I pray for the animals and birds. They are ready for the earth to burst forth in all her glory with her endless supply of food. She hasn’t really done it yet and if you just migrated back to the valley or survived this snowy winter, you are hungry. This awareness makes me thankful for what I do have and more considerate of the species in the valley.

In mid-May, the Aspen trees in Teton Valley, Idaho started to turn green. The cottonwoods soon followed. By the end of the month, the leaves have developed at lower elevations and near town. It is fun to watch the mosaic of color as it paints its’ way up the mountains. It is a dance between sun and rain and the ebb and flow of energy as nature reawakens. By the end of the month, both valleys are green and the Arrowleaf Balsamroot and early Indian Paintbrush have emerged. Yellow and red dot the landscape.

The birds are active. I continue to feed the birds in my backyard and have had the fun of watching a male and female Bullock’s Oriole at my hummingbird feeder. Red Tail Hawks are incubating eggs. The eagles are feeding their chick(s). Smaller birds are preparing nests.

Animals are moving. As much as the plant life dances with the weather so do the animals. As sunny days dominate they move north back to their summer territories so herds of elk can be seen throughout the valley. They are amazing to watch. Within the female herd, a lead cow will determine where and when they migrate. She stands in front with her nose in the air. Majestically interpreting what is to come and making decisions on how to keep her herd safe as they move. Moose can still easily be seen along the Gros Ventre River. They are thin and losing fur but new plants have lots of energy. I had the fortune of seeing a cow moose with twins on one of my hikes last week. We all hope to see animals when we recreate. This beautiful cow walked right past us (close enough to make me nervous, but I talked to her in a kind way and she seemed fine). It was the highlight of the hike and made the day for all of us.

The female bison have new calves. They seem to have done fine in Grand Teton Park this winter. In Yellowstone, it is a different story. About half the bison herd or 2000 animals died this winter. Some from normal winter mortality but the majority were sent to slaughter. As I mentioned in the March Nature News, there is the fear that bison will transmit brucellosis (an infectious disease transmitted by a bacteria, genus Brucella) to domestic cattle. Fortunately Montana governor, Brian Schweitzer, feels the need for a more “sustainable approach” to managing the bison so hopefully progress will be made this summer and a solution will be reached to protect the bison and the ranchers.

What’s in the Woods:
5/1- Victor, ID- goshawk
5/2- Victor, ID- two Bald Eagles with downy chick in nest, Mountain Bluebird, American Kestrel
5/2- Jackson, WY-Bald Eagle, Yellow headed Blackbird, elk and bison on National Elk Refuge
5/2-Gros Ventre River- two moose
5/2- 5/11 Dubois, WY- elk feeding on south hillsides, wolves howling, beaver, Uinta ground squirrels, Least Chipmunks, Red-winged Blackbirds, juncos, starlings, Brewer’s Blackbirds, cowbirds, Green-winged Teal- male and female, Canadian geese, Stellar’s Jay
5/12/08- Victor, ID- my backyard- Steershead, Yellow bell Lily, shooting star, sage buttercup, orogenia
5/15- first green hue in the Aspen trees!
5/17- Victor- Meadowlark!
5/17- Oxbow Bend, Grand Teton Park- osprey, two sandhill crane
Granite Canyon- cow moose
5/18- Shadow Mountain- Meadowlark, fresh Grizzly tracks, cowbird, Brewer’s Blackbird
5/19- Victor- Western Tanager, Cassin’s Finch, Pine Siskin, White-crowned Sparrow
5/20- Aspen Trail- violets, steershead, yellow bell lily, cow moose (very thin!)
5/22- Victor- Bullock’s Oriole! at my hummingbird feeder
5/24- rainy and cold
5/28- Aspen Trail- spring beauty, yellow fritillary, yellow violets, dwarf waterleaf, sugarbowl, hairy clematis
5/30-Munger Mountain- Arrowleaf Balsamroot, Indian Paintbrush, Nine-leaved desert parsley, spring beauty, yellow bell lily, cow moose with twins

Trail Suggestion-
Spring is a great time to go to Yellowstone to look for the bears and wolves. Because of the deep snow they are confined to smaller territories so can more easily be spotted. Bears have also been seen near Oxbow Bend and Jackson Lake Lodge in Grand Teton National Park. In general, spring is a great time to see animals since they are migrating and more visible.

While hiking, you will still find snow in Grand Teton National Park. Waterproof boots are a necessity. Some of the first trails to become hikable will be Bradley and Taggert Lakes and the valley trail. The valley trail meanders at the base of the Teton Peaks and is a great spring excursion. There are numerous parts to this trail so you can customize the distance. Phelps Lake located at the base of Death Canyon is always a great hike. I recommend a visit to the Moose Visitor Center to learn about other great places to explore and get current trail conditions.