This summer I’ve been living in the Rogers Boggs cabin at the Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory. There are four bedrooms, but I haven’t had any cabinmates for the past few days. That doesn’t mean the place is empty. I’ve been sharing it with a few wild visitors.

A family of mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus) has been hanging around the cabin. The mother of this fawn has realized that there no need to worry about predators with so many people around.

There are also two adult yellow-bellied marmots (Marmota flaviventris) living in the townsite. This one likes to spend time on a rock next to my window.

A few of the animals come closer. I found this mountain bluebird (Sialia currucoides) trapped in my wood stove this morning. I think it flew in the chimney and couldn’t get back out. I was very surprised to find it when I opened the stove door, but it immediately flew out, and then away.

The chipmunks (Tamius miniumus) are the boldest. They come in through the window and sit on my couch eating flowers.

One even licked me a few days ago. I’ll miss this place when the field season is over.