My travels this year were largely confined to Colorado but that is not necessarily a bad thing. From the mountains to the prairies, our scenery here is second to none and provides fantastic photo opportunities no matter where you are. These are my favorite landscape captures from the past year. Best viewed full screen.
Video slideshow: Bald Eagle Top Shots 2018
As the year comes to a close, I am creating some video slideshows of my ‘top shots’ covering a variety of subjects. Since it is Freedom Friday, I start with my favorite, the American Bald Eagle. I hope you enjoy it and check back in the coming days for other photo subjects. View full screen for the best effect!
Setting “Bison moon” at sunrise
Technically the full moon this month was called the Full Cold Moon. However, as it set early in the morning Sunday, I happened across this scene. It seems fitting to post it now for Tatanka Thursday. 😉
The sun was just started to climb over the horizon and shed its golden light on the landscape and the creatures below. Above, a cloud layer but not low enough to obscuring the setting moon. In the background, the Rocky Mountains were waiting for their chance to see some sun.
Taken at the Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge.
Red-tailed Hawk gives a menacing look
Red-tailed Hawk gives a menacing look. This guy (or gal) looks a bit mean, eh? It was staking out Union Reservoir in Longmont this past weekend. This capture gives a nice look at its closed, inner eyelid. Many birds have what is called a nictitating membrane. This membrane wipes front to back every few seconds, cleaning the cornea. It is translucent and the hawk can actually see through it.
One of these is not like the others
Can you pick out the oddball goose? 😉
I happened across a big flock of geese in a field in northern Colorado a few days ago. Normally I wouldn’t pay it any attention as the Canada Geese are so common, and indeed, somewhat overwhelming at times. However, there was one goose in particular that didn’t quite fit with the flock – a Snow Goose.
While we do see these here during migration, most don’t hang around long. Apparently this guy decided he liked the company of the Canadians better than his own kind.
Santa Eagle wants to know: Were you naughty or nice?
Judging by the look on his face, it may have been the former. 😉 No matter which it was, I wish you all a very Merry Christmas. May your new year be filled with joy, prosperity and lots of these cool creatures!
Merry Christmas from the Mile High City!
The iconic holiday lighting of the Denver City and County Building. Truly is a fantastic sight, one of many here this time of season. I do wish you all very Merry Christmas and a prosperous new year! Thank you very much for following me. In closing…
“Now there were shepherds in that region living in the fields and keeping the night watch over their flock. The angel of the Lord appeared to them and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were struck with great fear. The angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for behold, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For today in the city of David a savior has been born for you who is Messiah and Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find an infant wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was a multitude of the heavenly host with the angel, praising God and saying: “Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”” ~ Luke 2: 8-14
Whispy shades of orange, red and purple at sunrise
Holy moly we do get some stunning sunrises here in Colorado. Yesterday morning Mother Nature put on a very nice show. As the sun started to shed its light, you knew it was going to be a good one. Later phases lit up the entire sky but initially, I was most struck by the purples and reds hitting the clouds that looking like paintbrush strokes close to the horizon. Wow!
The Mile High City on a cold winter’s morning
I was feeling the need to take a ‘different’ photo excursion as I was getting burnt out on some of my regular places. One spot that I always say I should shoot more is downtown Denver. So, I headed out at 3:30 this morning and hit up a number of spots, including this popular location. It gives a fantastic view of the city and really shows off our amazing skyline. Despite all the city lights, you can even make out a few stars.
Little Screech Owl awakens from its nap
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.