Autumn hike

Although it snowed just about a week ago, Saturday managed to be an incredibly beautiful day.  At about 70F/20C it was far too spectacular to spend indoors, so I took myself off for a hike.  The best fall colour has passed, but there are still plenty of stands of colourful scrub oak, mountain mahogany, and sumac.

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The prairie dog town I took photos of in the summer has expanded nicely over the season, although the occupants are just as photo-shy as ever.

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A highlight of the day though, was watching a flock of wild turkeys parade from the prairie to a stand of scrub oak.  The group was well past the limit of the camera's lens, but it is such a special sight, I wanted to post the pictures anyway.

 To round out the wonder of the day, I came across this gorgeous fellow soaking up the warmth from the sand in this dry creek bed...I am either remarkably unthreatening, or the bed was far too comfortable for him to give up, as he barely twitched while I flitted about, taking photos.  He is in beautiful condition, which made me very happy to see.