All good things must come to an end and so it was with my visit to Death Valley. On the way out I drove past Badwater and stopped once more to take one last photo.
Back on the road, I soon came to a screeching halt when I spotted a small group of Mountain Sheep (also called Bighorn Sheep) near the side of the road. Well, not really near, but close enough to get some photos without a telephoto lens.
I could not believe my luck! Their eyesight is as good as mine when I use my eight-power binoculars and can spot predators a miles away. I stayed in my car and they didn't see me as a predator.
They are diurnal, feeding mostly in the morning and evening, and resting during the day while chewing their cud. At night they have regular places where they stay, usually beneath a rock overhang or in the mouth of a cave. Here is a little video I took of them: http://youtu.be/_vxbFKUp0Gw
I was so lucky to end my visit to Death Valley on such a high note. I had never seen a Bighorn Sheep before and I hope to see many more mammals during my Big Adventure.
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2 comments:
I found your blog a couple of years ago, after trying to identify a caterpillar and finding a photo of it (a furcula) in one of your posts. I subscribed to your feed, and have followed in silence ever since. But I just want to tell you how much I have enjoyed your series on Death Valley. It is my favorite place on Earth, and even though I live much closer to it than you do, I don't get to visit it as often as I would like. It's been about 5 years since the last time, and I'm really hoping to get back there this year. Most people just blow through there in a day or 2. I try to take a few days when I can. You are so lucky to have been able to explore it at your leisure, and with minimal crowds. Best wishes to you in your journeys.
Thank you so much for your thoughtful comments. It really means a lot to me to know others enjoy what I write. I didn't have as much time to pass on much information in the Death Valley series but I hope to have more opportunity later on in my journey. I would love to go back to Death Valley with a 4 wheel drive and explore even more. I could easily spend a month with a 4 wheel drive. Hope you have a chance to return.
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