A very pretty morning on the plains yesterday as our latest snowstorm moved out. Colors were subdued with the lingering clouds so I went to black and white for this one and am pleased with the result. This tree really stood out as the only feature on the snow-covered plains. Sometimes to stand out, you just need to stand apart.
“What? Do I have something on my face?”
😀 I don’t know what this young white-tailed deer did to get so much snow on its face but it looked pretty darned funny.
The Denver area received another shot of snow last night leading to some pretty scenes on the plains. The wildlife, normally very active in the wake of a storm, seemed kind of subdued though. Perhaps even they are getting tired of all of the cold we have been experiencing.
Bald eagle locks on to its landing spot
Another of the many captures I took last weekend.
This eagle hot spot only lasted a few days but it was absolutely awesome! Our nation’s emblem put on one heck of a show and gave me some incredible memories, including this one. It approached from behind the tree fast and low, popping up and climbing at a high rate of speed before dropping down and grabbing the branch.
As you look at this image, you are likely most drawn to that impressive six+ foot wingspan. Goodness!
Bald eagle intercepts the approach vector for Freedom Friday
Oh my! What a fantastic creature and a pretty darned cool image of one as it banked hard to setup for a landing. This past weekend was an absolute treat as two dozen bald eagles descended on a suburban pond northeast of Denver, Colorado.
It was a rare occurrence but likely occurred due to the thawing of the pond being timed with the fish in it being close to the surface. They were tiny fish, not much more than a snack for this big raptor, but there were enough that eagle activity was insane. It was an absolute treat and one that I will remember for a long time.
Have a fantastic weekend!
Heron on ice
I am sure this Great Blue Heron would have preferred the water not being quite so ‘solid.’ It is pretty tough to fish through that ice. 😉
These guys do prefer fish but I have seen them tackle more earthy meals as well like mice and even prairie dogs. This particular one was hanging out on a frozen pond at St. Vrain State Park, Colorado recently, seemingly trying to figure out what / how it was going to eat.
It was watching the fisherman closely so maybe it was just hoping for a handout.
High country giant takes a break
One for Wapiti Wednesday.
With his harem under control and somewhat boxed in, this massive elk bull was able to lie down and take a much-needed break this past fall. The annual rut was in full swing and he had undoubtedly been keeping busy watching over the ladies and fending off competitors.
I was fortunate that this particular group was less than a mile from my camp near Estes Park, Colorado making for an easy walk and fun photo op. This guy easily had the most impressive rack of any bull I saw last year. He was definitely large and in charge.
Snowy egret hanging out on the shoreline
A bit of a throwback image to last May. These birds are simply gorgeous with their all-white plumage. They are pretty skittish so I don’t normally get decent captures of them.
On this day, a dozen of them were hanging out on a pond in Adams County, Colorado and decided to be kind to me and let their picture be taken. I was able to lay down and get some nice, eye-level captures.
During the summer these birds are pretty common in Colorado but during the winter they prefer the warmer environs of Mexico. I don’t blame them. 😉
Young mule deer buck keeps watch on predators
I happened across this handsome, young fellow recently. I found it interesting that he payed me absolutely no attention, not even a glance.
Instead, he stood motionless, focused on a hill about 100 yards away. Having seen this behavior before, I suspected there must be coyotes nearby. Sure enough, three popped up over the hill – one of which I shared a pic of on Saturday.
While the buck wasn’t worried about me, the coyotes were and opted not to approach any closer, keeping their distance from the human. Feeling assured he was safe, the buck turned around and went on his way.
“Be careful with that thing or you’ll poke an eye out.”
As many times as I see raptors do this, I really don’t know how the heck they don’t hurt themselves. Those talons are so sharp and clearly meant for killing and yet bald eagles and others can use them to scratch themselves as casually as we do our fingers.
This particularly bald eagle put on quite a show at the Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge, choosing a very public spot to hang out for the better part of two hours. I have no doubt it was the most photographed eagle in the state of Colorado that day.
Coyote on the hunt following a winter snow
The morning after a snowstorm always seems to be a great time for wildlife viewing. The critters seem to revel in the cold and with the snow on the ground, it makes for some neat pictures.
This wily one was one of three coyotes hunting a field, looking for their breakfast. They looked gorgeous with their full winter coats and were far better prepared for the cold than I was. 😉
Taken at the Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge near Denver, Colorado.