Green

The color of the month in chukar country around southwest Idaho is green. The recent weather has made the mountains dark green. I can’t remember a May with this much growth on the chukar hills. All animals should flourish with the Spring we are having.

On my trip to the rattlesnake den today, I was pleasingly surprised with the already tall grass. In places it was so tall I couldn’t see the rock chucks scurrying back to the dens. The rattlesnakes are three weeks or more late coming out of their dens. Normally I would find dozens of rattlers sunning on these rocks but only found three ready to enjoy the 70 degree day.

There were these two which at a closer look were very similar,

After retrieving them from the rocks a third, with different coloring emerged.

I have no idea what the different color versions mean, it’s just interesting.

Back to the green mountains and the chukars. I had a reader ask about the recent cold temperatures and the possible effects on nesting. I don’t think the cold days we had should have harmed nesting at all. In my opinion, Mother Nature has given animals the instinct of where and how to protect nests against these cold spells. Also, most chukars have just begun laying eggs simply for this reason.

So, we’re on our way to what we all hope is a good nesting season. A very positive beginning. On my hike to the den today, I saw my first little grasshoppers jumping from the grass in front of me. They were barely noticeable but they were there. Another very positive sign.

Let’s cross our fingers for more positive signs in the coming months.