Murder of Crows

On the Grand View Trail

Just two hundred yards into our hike this morning we were slightly startled by a large number of crows flocking out of the forest just off the trail.  Immediately we knew what it meant; the stench coming from the trees confirmed our suspicions.  I didn't have to explore very far before finding the young elk cow pictured here.  It was pretty far along in the decomposition process so it was impossible to tell how it had been killed.  One thing was clear:  it was a substantial meal for a murder of crows.

Carcass of a young elk cow

One of many feasters

Parts of the trail were still snowy

Midway point:  New Mexico Rails-to-Trails ramada

Crows circling until we passed

Stealth bomber

Tweedledee and Tweedledum