This cute little one was quite fascinated with the guy on his hands and knees pointing a camera at it. The back-lighting was a challenge but helped to illuminate the soft down covering the little Canada Goose. ?
Burrowing Owl does the Hippy Hippy Shake
This little guy of course wasn’t really dancing but it did shake itself off while sitting on this fence post. At this particular spot northeast of #Denver, the males continue to be out and about and usually quite visible. Any day now I expect to start seeing the females out of the burrows and little ones making their first public appearance.
Blue Jay ready to fly
These common but beautiful birds don’t seem to want to hang around any time I point a camera at them. This one started to give me a nice pose showcasing its colorful back when it decided to turn around – naturally before I had gotten the picture I really wanted. Nevertheless, the image didn’t turn out too bad.
Rocky Mountain Bighorn ewe casts a gentle gaze
This pretty lady and a few of her gal pals were hanging out in Estes Park, Colorado this past weekend. The four of them were clearly quite accustomed to having their picture taken as our presence didn’t bother them one bit as they continued to lounge and graze.
Right now they aren’t particularly photogenic as they shed their winter coats, notice the raggedy appearance of the ewe behind this one. Unfortunately I didn’t spot any rams on this day.
The Bighorn Sheep is the official animal of the state of #Colorado and found in many places in the state’s high country. Diseases from European livestock and overhunting had caused the animal’s population to drop precipitously by the early 1900s. Thankfully conservation efforts have been successful in helping the sheep rebound since then.
Ground squirrel looks for a meal
When I spotted this little guy Saturday, he seemed to pretty well expect breakfast from me as it came sauntering right up. It probably has learned that tourists can be a good source although feeding them does them great harm. I of course only took pictures of it and left it hungry. Notice those crazy long nails on it!
Wyoming Ground Squirrels are medium size squirrels 10 to 12 inches in length. They favor open range land like in the Moraine Park area of Rocky Mountain National Park where this picture was taken.
Robin rams into Great Horned Owl
Yesterday I was taking pictures of this adult #owl who was hanging out not far from my home. Instead of taking up a spot in the sheltered interior of the tree like normal, it had chosen to be out in the open. Unfortunately for it, being so exposed, it was constantly being hassled by smaller birds.
I didn’t think I had gotten any pics of the action until I got home and looked at this image closely. It appears this Robin (at least that is what I think it is) pretty much rammed the owl or came darned close. Notice too that the Robin actually has a worm or something in its mouth. I do wish the owl’s head had been turned so it could be seen but it is a unique image / moment so I am not complaining too much.
A landscape of stone
Marble headstones mark the graves of our nation’s veterans at Fort Logan National Cemetery. Each of these represents someone who has served, some who have made the ultimate sacrifice giving their lives in service of this great nation.
As Americans we have given our own blood – our sons and daughters, our mothers and fathers – for our freedom and for the freedom of others. When He comes to call, we mourn their loss but sadly we all too quickly forget. Memorial Day serves as a catalyst to ensure that we do not let their sacrifice be in vain, that we always remember what these brave men and women have done.
Never forget!
Paying respects on Memorial Day 2015
As I watched this man at Fort Logan National Cemetery this morning, I couldn’t help but wonder who he was there to see. He was clearly moved as his eyes went between the grave and the flag.
Perhaps a grandfather that had served in the Battle of the Bulge and demonstrated extraordinary heroism against an enemy onslaught?
A high school buddy who he went to Vietnam with but whose life was cut short in a God-forsaken jungle?
Perhaps a son, daughter, niece or nephew who went to a foreign land seeking vengeance against those who dared harm our nation on 9/11?
I saw many people there today while I visited my dad and a few others I knew. All of the visitors undoubtedly have stories to tell about those buried on this hallowed ground, just as I do. It is humbling to walk among those who have served and sacrificed in defense of our great nation. May God bless the United States of America.
Great Horned Owl owlet keeps a close watch
Sitting high up in a pine tree, this nest held two little ones. This one was very animated and quite interested in what was going on around it. Its sibling, hidden behind it in this picture, was more interested in just sleeping.
The pair is younger than those down here at lower elevations and still probably a week or two from fledging. Taken in Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado.
“Well, hello there!”
A quick trip up to Rocky Mountain National Park this morning provided its usual wide assortment of photo opportunities. The big guys were scattered around, hanging out in bachelor groups.