One of two of these cool little owls that I went and visited recently. Both seem to enjoy hanging out in their tree cavity, soaking in the morning sun. Both also usually keep their eyes closed and don’t provide for much excitement. This one though seemed to take umbrage with a dog that walked right under its nest and that was enough to get it to open its eyes – briefly. These little guys are only between 6 and 10 inches tall but have a wingspan that get stretch out to 24 inches.
Bald Eagle pair keeping watch on air traffic
Who knew that an airport weather station could provide such a nice perch? 😉 I happened across this beautiful pair hanging out near Denver International Airport as they sat watching the planes land. Thankfully for them and holiday travelers, there are no weather-related concerns here for at least a few days. Christmas Day and the day after might be a different story though.
Coyote prowling in the grass
I actually had my camera trained on a different subject when I see some motion in the grass.Further investigation found Wile E Coyote on the move, destination unknown. It didn’t linger and didn’t want to give me a clearer view but it was fun to see him.
It is interesting how well Coyotes have adapted to human intrusion on their traditional grounds. Here on the Colorado Front Range, they can routinely be seen anywhere there is open space, even if right next to development. This has,of course, occasionally given rise to conflicts but generally, we exist peacefully with them.
“That’s close enough, Bub!”
So much personality in that face which is why I love Ferruginous Hawks. Lighting was kind of cruddy when I took this pic this past Saturday but the look on this guy’s / gal’s face is priceless. Something tells me it really didn’t appreciate having its picture taken. See more of these cool raptors here.
For all those empty place settings at the table this holiday season
I stopped by Fort Logan National Cemetery this past weekend to visit my dad and a few other of our nation’s heroes. He – and all of them – are sorely missed and the holidays aren’t quite the same without them.
Wreaths Across America and hundreds of volunteers place wreaths at thousands of graves at Fort Logan and other national cemeteries across the nation before Christmas each year. This very special program’s mission is to, “Remember our fallen U.S. veterans. Honor those who serve. Teach your children the value of freedom.”
The hallowed ground of these cemeteries are transformed into a beautiful and respectful scene, fitting for the holidays. For families like mine, who have loved ones interred there, it is a meaningful and emotional thing to see.
We sponsor the wreath for my dad’s site and some random others and next year, I would encourage you to do the same. Please, honor those who served and are no longer with us and say a prayer for them and their families during this blessed season.
One year ago: Snowy Owl hanging out on the Colorado plains
A friend reminded me that it was one year ago yesterday that I had photographed this gorgeous visitor from the Arctic. Its chosen location was two hours from my home but that didn’t stop me from hopping in my truck and high-tailing it to the spot.
My time with it was uneventful, very much so. In fact, I only captured a couple of images with its eyes open, this being one of them. The rest of the time it was quite content to close its eyes and soak in that warm, winter sun.
Snowy Owls only appear in Colorado every few years and thus far, none have been seen this season. It may not happen but I will be keeping my eyes peeled and my fingers crossed.
Jet contrails light up the morning sky
Kind of a different image than what you normally see from me. While watching sunrise recently I saw this airliner cruising along over eastern Colorado. The rising sun lit up its contrail, making for kind of a neat capture.
Mule Deer buck plays gatekeeper
This guy was making sure no one violated the rules. 😉
Fire in the sky – and on the ice
An absolutely beautiful morning here on the Colorado plains. Things got started in fine fashion with a beautiful sunrise. My chosen spot was at a frozen pond that provided a nice reflection of the action in the sky. Above, the fire below then those cool, blue clouds.
Bison breath on a cold Colorado morning
Kind of a different, fun capture. I have a vision in my mind for a similar, better shot but have yet to get it. This is the closest I have come. The bison were east of me, into the rising sun and with temperatures in the teens, their breath was creating clouds of vapor. I underexposed the shot leaving little more than a silhouette of these impressive creatures of the plains.