morning was clear

blue sky, no clouds

sun rising over the foothills

Chill with ice covered trails

Snow crunching under boots

a few birds squawking

Ravens, most likely,

heard, but not seen

A few others at a higher pitch

a soft symphony as we hiked

Birds quiet as we crossed the meadow

a doe and two fawns

joined us for the walk

and fresh air

Sure-footed along the trail

Quietly they trotted forward

one fawn lagging

watching a man with a dog

Reaching us they paused

smiled and posed for pictures