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YELLOWSTONE NATURE NOTES


Vol. XVI May-June, 1939 Nos. 5-6

Leaves From our Diaries

April 8: The carcass of a large bull elk (Cervus canadensis) with a wide spread of antlers was observed in the cavern of an extinct hot spring near Angel Terrace into which it had fallen about two weeks ago.

The dimensions of the opening through which the bull fell are 24-1/2 by 27-1/2 inches. When the carcass was removed from the cavern it was necessary to saw off the antlers before the head could be taken out.

Frank Oberhansley

April 13: While skiing near Dunraven Pass this evening I counted more than one hundred elk migrating single file across the divide between Carnelian Creek and Dunraven Peak. The line of elk was long and sinuous and the leadership changed frequently. On several occasions the line was broken some distance from the front and the leadership was assumed by an elk at that point. The elk in front of this point in the line retraced their steps and fell into file along the new tangent. This is the largest group migration in elk that I have observed.

Many fresh grizzly (Ursus horribilis) tracks were also seen in the same locality at this time.

Lee Coleman

April 14: The large group of migrating elk observed last evening are now broken up into smaller groups and are scattered over the country to the south of Dunraven Pass. Signs indicate that at least 250 elk came over the divide in the last 24 hours.

L. C.

April 18: A bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus leucocephalus) was seen to dive into the open patch of water of Mary Bay this afternoon and capture a trout about 14 inches long. In attempting to rise from the water he was unable to do more than flap out onto the ice where he busied himself with the fish a few feet back from the water's edge. As he was eating the fish a raven (Corvus corax sinuatus) landed on the ice and began circling the eagle in a bluffing manner. The earle finally took off with the fish and disappeared over the ridge to the east with the raven in pursuit.

F. O.

April 30: A red naped sapsucker (Sphyrapicus varius nuchalis) is nesting near the checking station.

W. S. Chapman

May 12: While returning on foot across the divide from Upper Slough Creek today I came face to face with a large grizzly. The meeting was a complete surprise for both of us and our reactions were mutual. We both stopped abruptly and stared momentarily. The hair rose on his shoulders as he looked me over. I instinctively clapped my hands together and let out a yell which to my entire satisfaction had the desired effect on the bear.

In addition to the Grizzly 5 moose (Alces americanus shirasi) were seen between the transfer and Slough Creek Station.

John A. Bauman

May 14: The osprey (Pandion haliaetus carolinensis) are now nesting on the rock pinnacles in the Yellowstone Canyon.

L. C.

May 16: Several mule deer bucks (Odocoilous hemionus macrotes) around Canyon have a new growth of antlers approximately 1-1/2 to 2-1/2 inches long. A bull moose was observed with a new growth of antlers about 8 inches in length.

L. C.

May 29: Saw three Wilson Phalaropes (Steganopus tricolor) on the small pond near Hart Lake Cabin. Found the remains of a Trumpeter Swan (Cygnus buccinator) in the outlet of Hart Lake. The breast bone was intact. Cause of death unknown but probably occurred last fall.

June 2: I saw a large school of suckers near the north shore of Hart Lake in shallow water.

L. C.
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27-Dec-2004