There were dozen’s of Franklin’s Gulls at this spot this past week, something I had not noticed in previous years although I may have just not been paying attention. 😉 You can learn more about these small gulls here.
“What? Am I drooling or something?”
This young bull Moose was eating and drinking in a small pond in Rocky Mountain National Park. After dipping most of its face underwater, it lifted its head up and with water running down its face and out of its mouth stared right at me. Maybe it was a bit embarrassed by the mess it was making? 😉
Juvenile Red-tailed Hawk seems contemplative
One of four young ones from an area nest, this juvenile Red-tailed Hawk provided me with many neat poses, including this one. The soft light of sunrise gave it a glow and helped to provide just a bit of a glint in its eye.
Red rocks and yellow lilies
Red rocks and yellow lilies. I stopped at this spot primarily to look for moose. While none were found, I did however discover why the location is called “Red Rock Lake.” In this natural lake, sitting the cold, mountain water and surrounded by lilies are these huge red rocks. They were undoubtedly deposited there thousands of years ago by geologic forces but seem kind of out of place. Nevertheless, it made for a very pretty, calming scene.
Marmot plays peek-a-boo
These little critters are lots of fun to watch as they hop around on the talus slopes of the Rocky Mountains. This particular Yellow-bellied Marmot was quite curious about me and kept working its way closer and closer. Each time it stopped, it would hide behind a rock, peer out and then watch me for a minute or two before moving a bit closer.
Watchful Prairie Dog
Not a favorite photo subject of mine but with as prevalent as they are, you can’t help but train your lens on them every now and then. This particular one was – as they all are – very wary of my presence as I sat watching its neighboring Burrowing Owls.
Golden whitetail doe
I was a bit surprised to come across this whitetail deer doe recently northeast of Denver. She was all alone without another deer in sight. Thankfully she stopped bounding through the fields just long enough for me to snap this picture. The soft, golden light of sunrise helps to make her look absolutely beautiful.
Red-tailed Hawk close-up flyby
Sometimes wildlife gets a bit closer than anticipated and such was the case with this picture. This gorgeous Red-tailed Hawk was kind enough to give me a very nice flyby but ended up coming closer and faster than I was prepared for. While I was initially annoyed that I cut off part of its wing, I have come to like the image quite a bit due to the closeness to the bird it conveys.
“I want my mama!”
“I want my mama!” While this Burrowing Owl owlet is actually just yawning, I can’t help but imagine its look in this picture as a cry for mom to bring it breakfast. Notice to the right one of its siblings is keeping close watch on the photographer while trying to stay camouflaged.
Young Bald Eagle takes flight for Freedom Friday
This beautiful eagle posed for pictures this past March at Cherry Creek State Park, Colorado. Ready for a meal, it then launched itself into the air, showcasing its beautiful plumage and 6 foot wide wingspan.
It is always such a thrill for me to see these gorgeous creatures and even better when I can capture a good action shot of them as was the case this time. It has been more than a month since I last saw a Bald Eagle and I am going through withdrawals. 😉
To see more pics I have taken of these raptors, see here.