Red Rocks Lakes National Wildlife Refuge, AKA Yellowstone NP Day 4

"We" decided to give the Yellowstone animals a day off and instead do some laundry and a few other chores today.

While we were doing the laundry, the campground manager stopped in to see how were doing. When he heard that MMG was interested in wildlife photography, especially large white birds, he recommended that we plan a visit to the Red Rocks Lakes National Wildlife Refuge which is located about 15 miles west of West Yellowstone, then 23 miles down a dirt road. He thought we'd find White Pelicans and Trumpeter Swans there.

He was right! The RRLNWR was established in 1935 specifically as a refuge for the severely depleted Trumpeter Swan population in the US. Its remote location (remember the 23 mile dirt road!) proved to be just what was needed and over the years the Trumpeter Swan population has made a remarkable recovery.

Here's proof!




But that's not all. From the one of largest residents to one of the smallest.....the Mountain Bluebird. There were hundreds of these little beauties flitting about.




That's not all there were hundreds of -- look here:



And looking over our shoulders all day were these:



And in the valley, another of the MMG wildlife butt collection:

Pronghorn

But wait! That's not all.....

Centennial Mountains over Elk Lake.

Still more! On the way home we ran across these Sandhill Cranes. They were a little too far away for good pictures, but we rarely see them so take a look at these and we'll try to do better another time......

Reflections.

Singing for their supper.

Oh! MMG says not to forget her favorites who were sharing the lakes with the Trumpeters.

A flotilla of White Pelicans feeding on the fish they have rounded up..... or maybe a swimming band with the drum major out front.....

Enough!

Our love to you all.

MMG and DDG