Steeldust’s band was quiet on the hill. They’re “together” again, Mouse and Aspen still the boys tagging along, the other boys guarding their mares closely – still. Storm and Gideon move freely. At one point, Aspen came a little too close to napping Gideon, and Luna stepped up beside him. Although she was then right beside him, Butch also stepped up – between her and Gideon! The little mister gave a little shift but otherwise didn’t move, content and confident that stepdaddy would protect him without stepping ON him. And he didn’t. Really a remarkable little event.
As I mentioned, Bounce also came over to have a little visit, and he found Storm a willing playmate.
I was sitting on a slanted flattish rock in a little drainage on the treed slope, trying to take advantage of a bit of shade under a sky with swiftly moving clouds. Love how Bounce is watching me watching him while he lets Storm nibble on him.
It was interesting to watch the interaction of Bounce with Storm, almost 2, and with Steeldust, a mature band stallion as Bounce himself.
A little sniffing, a little posturing.
Then it was back for another round of playing with Storm. The quality of their interactions was really interesting. He and Steeldust eventually had a rearing collision, and Bounce decided the party was over.
Now for something different. Two legs, yes, and two wings!
What is it? I noticed it when it flew up from right beside me – flew out just a few yards and landed – and settled. Didn’t make any sound, and it was so quiet even when I surprised it to flight that I wasn’t at all startled. It stayed at least as long as I did. I wondered if it had a nest nearby (July?) because it stayed so close. Hmm. Can you see it?
How about now? Talk about adapted! The intricate pattern of its feathers is just about the most beautiful type of plumage on a bird I’ve ever seen. Maybe it’s a “poorwill.” In the nightjar family, the book says. I’m not sold on that as the ID – the pic in the book is even worse than these of mine. I’d be happy if someone can tell me for sure!
I left the horses to their naps and went on up the hill, unsure if the grey I had seen earlier with Storm-chaser was Mouse or Hook. I was hoping it was Hook, but if it was, he was out of my sight. The horses were about halfway up the hill. I don’t very often think about snakes while I’m out in the basin. I did see a rattler in Sand Wash Basin, but the only rattlers I’ve seen in Spring Creek Basin have been on a road – at night – and I was safe in the Jeep! I grew up in rocky Texas hill country, so I’m not afraid of snakes, but I don’t want to surprise one as close as I did the bird! No snakes, and I found a pretty little “park” below the cliff at the top of the hill – the confluence of at least two canyons.
I basically followed the edge back down: This is looking down at Wildcat Spring and on out to Round Top in the far distance. The hill in the middle distance is the north side of what I call the east-west hill.
Spring Creek Basin Mustangs 
Some spectacular photography TJ!
Wonderful!
P.S. Is that some kind of night bird — here we have Kildeer or Plover that nest in stones on the ground.
Also whipporwill that stay close to the ground. We also have what I call Night Hawks which, in groups, circle big lights in the city, consuming insects that are attracted to the lights.
Is this the bird?
http://identify.whatbird.com/obj/379/_/Common_Poorwill.aspx
(Common Poorwill)
Sure seems to be. When it landed, it held its wings up and away from its body, and I thought it was going to try the “wounded wing” routine, but it didn’t, just settled into place. The first photo is the first photo I took of it – you can see its big bright eye looking back at me even while it’s facing away – but the camouflage of its body is toward me. The second photo was when I left – it had changed position somewhat and was sideways to me, basically facing downhill. Almost napping – like the rest of us!
We encountered a bird like that on a ride thru a rocky area here in NE WA state. Had never seen one like it. It landed close to us and just sat there while we were off our horses taking a break. Poorwill. I will look that up. As always I LOVE your pictures and what you write about each one.
Spectacular shots of Bounce and Storm! We remember you telling us that you thought Storm had the potential to be a band stallion sooner rather than later. He sure seems very confident around Bounce! The shot of Wildcat is beautiful – now we know exactly where it is – quite a hike up there for you, but worth it, we’re sure!! Thanks!! Great job!
L&K
You do realize how lucky you are to be able to chronicle the lives of these beautiful creatures don’t you? ; )
I love the picture of the two stallions posturing. You can tell that the gray one (is he gray?) has a lot of bite marks on his cheeks from playing (or fighting) with someone.
Lea – I’m not sure I’ve seen one of these birds before, either. I don’t recall it making a sound, let alone saying “poor will!”
L&K – If his mama ever weans him, yep, I think he’ll make a tremendous band stallion!
Melanie – I never, ever take it for granted. 🙂 Steeldust is the grey, our most battle-scarred boy. (P.S. Congrats on your graduation!)