Early trappers named this bird the "Camp Robber" and in these modern times, continues to live up to its name. In fact, it is so bold, it will sometimes feed from your outstretched hand. Again, use good sense if you must feed them. Salted peanuts or potato chips are not proper nutrition.
Although the pika looks like a rodent, it is actually a member of the rabbit family. It does not hibernate but stores food during the warm months to last through the winter. Sit quietly and watch for him on the rocks. Listen for the shrill whistle of it's warning cry.
The Stellar's jay is a handsome but noisy bird. Often seen at picnic tables, it is easily identified by its long, black crest. They have little fear when it comes to stealing a scrap off the table. Watch how they land on a low branch and then work their way upward to the top.
The elk is also known by the Indian word Wapiti, which means white, referring to the light colored rump. The bugle of a big bull in the fall signals the time of the rut. Females are gathered into herds and bulls often fight for possession, sometimes to the death.
The Black-billed magpie is considered a pest by some, but its beauty cannot be denied. A striking, long green tail is accentuated by a black and white body with bluish wings. This common bird measures out at 17 to 21 inches. It builds a strong, sturdy nest of sticks, often thorny, complete with a protective dome.
Clark's Nutcracker was named after William Clark, of the Lewis and Clark expeditions. Clark thought the bird was a woodpecker. Actually, it does imitate the flight pattern of the woodpecker and some say, a little like a crow. About a foot long, it prefers coniferous forests and groves.
This predator normally feeds on rabbits, rodents, and other small animals. But many coyotes in the park have lost their fear of man and are frequently seen on roadsides, begging for a handout. Please resist the temptation to feed them. When they become dependant on these easy meals, hunting skills diminish and winter feeding becomes more difficult when visitors are rare.
About
the only mountain climbing I do these days is in the pickup but I can still
experience peace, sunshine, and good tidings in this park as John Muir did many
years ago. Aspen valleys, snow-covered peaks, and over 265,000 acres in
which to stretch out and explore make this Colorado treasure one of my
favorites. I like to start at the Fall River entrance and watch for big
horn sheep at the mineral lick. As the road makes a giant horseshoe bend, check
the tree line for grazing herds of elk. Have a picnic at one of the
designated spots and expect visits from the Steller's Jay and magpies. Drive the
Trail Ridge road to the Continental Divide and look for begging coyotes (don't
feed them). Sit quietly on the boulders and take in the view; marmots and pika
are likely to appear. In short, there is enough beauty and wildlife here to
delight the most jaded traveler. 
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