Still snowy!

I'm back in the field after leaving my well-trained crew in the field for the past month and a half. Up valley is still very winter-like. Down valley is finally (and oh-so-slowly) melting out. We have a lot of animals down valley and folks have been seeing some GREAT social behavior. Up valley there are a lot of predators--at least two bears (one with triplets!) and Gina saw a Mt. lion today!!! The marmots are emerging more slowly--which is a good thing given all the snow. I expect late litters...

This is going to be one-hellofa wildflower year. Since I hope we're beyond late season freezes and the flower have not really started blooming there will be no early season killing frosts. So once the growing season starts in a big way, it's going to be a big flower year.  Book your tickets now to the Colorado high country.

We're waiting with baited breath for the road to open next week; I walked in today. Much to do... More as we have more to share!

Welcome Austin!

Hi everyone, I am Austin Nash and this summer is my first at RMBL. It was still quite snowy when I arrived here on May 20^th and I cannot wait to watch spring unfold around me.

I love being outdoors and whether I am fly fishing, trail running, or wildlife watching I am quite content. Observing the marmots of the East River Valley has been a treat and I am excited to continue my work in the field.

            As snowstorms have come and gone I have seen the landscape and the marmots themselves change quite a bit. Some days at the beginning or end of a storm, with snow lightly falling, the marmots will do no more than stand next to their burrows before retreating back inside. However, on warm sunny days I have seen rambunctious yearlings play boxing and wrestling! I have especially enjoyed seeing my neighbors Stitches, Campfire, and Kite sitting on the porches of the cabins next to mine as I do the same.

 I am originally from Los Angeles, about three minutes from the beach, but the mountains have always been a part of my life. I started downhill skiing at 4 years old in the Sierras. In college I have enjoyed much closer access to the mountains and the wonderful ecological gradients they hold. I just finished my first year at the University of Colorado at Boulder, where I study Ecology and Evolutionary Biology and have begun getting to know the Rocky Mountains and its wonderful wildlife. In high school, I conducted field research on the impacts of stormwater runoff on Giant Kelp and the effect of recreation on wildlife activity and diversity. I have also worked hands on with Nurse Sharks as a research assistant in Belize. With the marmots, I am looking at how parasites and stress affect the probability of a marmot alarm calling. Working with the Blumstein Lab is a precious opportunity and I can’t wait to learn from all of my amazing labmates.