[Illustration: COYOTE
2¼ in.]
[Illustration: KANGAROO RAT
¼ in.]
[Illustration: BEETLE
¼ in.]
[Illustration: RAVEN
3½ in.]
[Illustration: KIT FOX
1¾ × 1⅞ in.]
[Illustration: LIZARD
2 to 3 in.]
[Illustration: SIDEWINDER
4 in.]
[Illustration: JACKRABBIT]
Jackrabbits are not seen often in the dunes, although their tracks and
droppings are seen occasionally. They feed on plants, getting moisture
from their food rather than from distant springs. Large ears radiate
excess body heat and help cool the animal as it rests in shaded areas
during the hot day.
Have you seen any birds? Birds also leave tracks! The large bird tracks
here are generally left by ravens—big, black birds which eat almost
anything. In the spring and fall, some migrating birds stop briefly.
Shrikes, sparrows, kingbirds and blackbirds are among the visitors and
residents of the dunes. Insects and vegetation provide food and shelter
for them.
[Illustration: BEETLE]
Have you seen any insects? Tracks resembling those of a tiny bulldozer
tell us where beetles have traveled. Shiny black circus beetles or
stinkbugs and gray snout beetles are often seen.
Since most activity in the dunes takes place at night, very little of
this action is observed. However, in the morning we can stroll in the
sand and unravel the secrets of the previous night. As you look at each
set of tracks, imagine what the animal looks like as it moves. How big
is it? How many feet does it have? Are the feet side by side as though
jumping like rodents or rabbits, or do they alternate as in the walking
or running motion of lizards? How far apart are the prints? Does the
animal drag its tail? Now, where do the tracks go? Follow some animal
tracks to see what interactions have taken place. The same animal may
leave different tracks on different sand surfaces or under difference
circumstances. Notice your own tracks as you walk, run, jump or sit in
loose or firm sand. Try it!
_In many respects these dunes are like any Other deposits of windblown
sand along the coast or in deserts. They reflect variations in the sand
supply and respond to particular wind patterns following the same basic,
natural principles. Several other National Parks and Monuments have sand
dunes of various sizes and composition. Death Valley dunes are not the
largest in the United States by any means! Here the dunes reach a height
of 80 ft. (24 m). They provide a visual change of pace with their soft
lines and shadows in contrast to the sharp, rugged mountain peaks around
them._
Sand
soft
fine
Easy to sift and mold.
Once a solid block of rock now weathered very old.
Blown by winds into dunes and features.
Forming a hot dry home for desert creatures.
Patterns of shadow and shade by tree and sand dune made.
Walk
touch
explore
Enjoy the dunes and come back once more.
Donna Paul Bessken
[Illustration: {Dunes}]
We hope you have enjoyed this walking tour. As you continue to explore
Death Valley National Monument, contact any National Park Service
employee if you need information or assistance.
[Illustration: NATIONAL PARK SERVICE]
U. S. DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
National Park Service
As the Nation’s principal conservation agency, the Department of the
Interior has basic responsibilities for water, fish, wildlife, mineral,
land, park and recreational resources. Indian and territorial affairs
are other major concerns of America’s “Department of Natural Resources.”
The Department works to assure the wisest choice in managing all our
resources so each will make its full contribution to a better United
States—now and in the future.
[Illustration: Death Valley Natural History Association]
The Death Valley Natural History Association is a non-profit
organization pledged to aid in the preservation and interpretation of
the outstanding features of Death Valley National Monument.
FOR INFORMATION AND MEMBERSHIP CONTACT
Death Valley
Natural History Association
P.O. Box 188
Death Valley, California 92328
CREDITS:
TEXT: DONNA P. BESSKEN
PHOTOGRAPHY: T. FORBES OSBORN
EDITED BY: VIRGIL J. OLSON
DRAWINGS: SYLVIA STOSSER
DESIGN AND GRAPHICS:
RUSS JOHNSON
GEORGIA SUMMERS
Chalfant Press
[Illustration: {wraparound cover illustration}]