Waterton Canyon has been closed for the last 15 months for pumping of sludge that had accumulated in Strontia Springs dam. This operation was completed recently and the canyon was re-opened a couple of weeks ago. This afternoon, we decided to head down to the canyon. Soon after entering the canyon, we encountered about a dozen mule deer. I noticed this herd of 9 deer lying at the side of the trail. The white tips of their ears were very distinctive, making them easy to spot.
Herd Of Mule Deer
As we got closer, several deer proceeded to get up — they must have become wary of me and the camera!
Mule Deer, Waterton Canyon
A cold front started moving through the Front Range earlier in the day. The high wind speeds kicked up plenty of dust into the air. As we continued into the canyon, the wind started pumping really hard, so we turned back. By the time we got back, the deer had moved on.
We did manage to see some bird life in the canyon. Several Mergansers were swimming in the Platte River. A few dozen Tree Swallows had also returned to the metro area for the breeding season. We also spotted an Eagle, a Kestrel and a pair of Red-Tailed Hawks.