Watching Young Animals - Colorado Division of Wildlife

For many of us, the natural world goes about its rhythms almost invisible to the human world, as if it were parallel to, but not a part of ours. But in spring and early summer, perhaps better than at any other time, the rhythm and hum of nature is abundantly evident, if we pay attention. Wildlife are engaged in housekeeping—building nests, giving birth, raising their young. By slowing down, listening, watching, waiting, we can discover the richness of activity around us.

Moose cow and calf.

Begin listening on sunny days in April (later at higher elevations) for the songs of western chorus frogs, rising in pitch like someone running their thumb down a comb. Check those same ponds throughout spring and summer for hatched tadpoles and metamorphosing young.

Like elk, moose bear their calves in late May and early June, but don't expect to see them in herds with other moose. Moose are solitary animals and the mother cow and her calf will keep to themselves.

Observing wild homes lets you enjoy wildlife while learning about their behaviors and lifestyles. Just remember that in those homes are babies, who need your discretion and respect as a wildlife watcher to help them survive to adulthood. Robin hatchlings in a nest, elk calves weak and vulnerable, raccoon kits with eyes barely open - they are sought by countless predators. When you encounter wildlife in spring, take care not to endanger animal young in any way. Spending too much time at a nest may attract the interest of other watchers, ones on the hunt.

These baby striped skunks were likely born in May or early June. They weren't weaned until about two months old, then joined their mother on her nightly rounds to learn how and where to find food.

You may notice house finches checking out nest sites and beginning construction as early as late February. These familiar back yard visitors may rear up to three broods of young in a season.

Be sure not to disturb a nest or handle young animals. That mule deer fawn hidden in the grass hasn't been abandoned. Does hide their young for safety, returning to reclaim them once danger has passed. Even baby birds fallen from a nest are best left alone. None of us need to be reminded to be careful if we come across the young of bears, mountain lions, coyotes and other carnivores, but wildlife parents of most species will react defensively if they perceive a threat to their young.

Elk cows are fussy about their calving grounds, selecting places with nearby food and water and secure cover. They leave the herd to bear their calves, most of which are born in late May and early June.

Great horned owl chicks begin hatching in March and are kept warm and safe within the nest by their attentive parents. Look for owlets perched on tree limbs around the nest about two months later, from mid-May through June.

Unwary hikers coming too close to nests or young have been dive-bombed by red-winged blackbirds, American avocets, great horned owls; charged by elk and mountain goats; sprayed by skunks. The best choice is to observe wildlife homes and young from a distance, and with respect as well as delight.

Next: Snips and Snails

(The information contained in this issue of Colorado's Wildlife Company was accurate at the time of original publication. Situations and circumstances described, staff positions, contact information, and dates of some events may have changed in the interim. Present knowledge and understanding of biological and behavioral facts and information may also be different, now, than presented here.)

Last Updated: 7/1/2009