When the end of the workweek comes, it is normal to feel beat down and ready for a much-needed break. The look on this handsome guy’s face seems to reflect that. 😉
Golden Eagle takes to the skies
Not the usual type of eagle I post on Fridays but this one is certainly worthy of sharing. Honestly, I can’t believe I have never shared it before now.
Taken back in March, this massive, gorgeous Golden Eagle was hanging out in one of its favorite spots in Colorado’s Front Range foothills. After giving me a great series of shots of it posing, it then launched into the air yielded a host of images as it took flight.
These eagles are one of the largest and fastest raptors in North America. With wingspans that can exceed seven feet across and capable of speeds to 200mph, they are nothing short of impressive. It is little wonder that they are the most common official national animal in the world with Albania, Germany, Austria, Mexico, and Kazakhstan all choosing it to represent them.
Have a great weekend, everyone and TGIF!
Barn Owl owlet climbs out for a public appearance
I heard about this very unique opportunity early last week and paid the site a visit right away. That however was in the afternoon and light was horrible so my pics were disappointing.
Yesterday I went back in the morning under better conditions and soon found myself hot and frustrated. The Barn Owl owlets were simply not wanting to come out, choosing instead to stay hunkered down in the next inside a tree cavity.
I waited for almost two hours as temperatures rose then finally, one emerged. The little one ended up putting on quite a show for a half hour or so, climbing in and out of the nest a few times, stopping to pose in between each time.
This sequence shows the owlet as it climbed out the first time.
Barn Owls are notoriously shy and secretive, very rarely placing a nest within easy viewing of human eyes. This one however is at a Colorado state park not far from my house and very visible from a walking path. Such a huge treat to be able to see them and I will certainly be trying to get back before the young ones fledge.
Big bull Moose goes for a swim at a high country lake
A fun sequence of images of something I had not personally witnessed before. I spent some time with this big guy and five of his friends in Roosevelt National Forest yesterday morning.
They spent most of the time within heavy cover preventing good pics. However, at the end of my visit one decided the other side of the lake looked nice and took the most direct route, wading into the water and then swimming across.
I have certainly seen Moose wade into the water but never actually swim so it was a special treat for me.
Bighorn Sheep ewe gets her closeup
Most of the Bighorn I have seen this season so far look pretty rough as they shed their winter coats and their summer coats begin to fill in. This pretty lady though looked quite nice and almost seemed to revel in having her picture taken. Best of all, she came right by my truck so I was able to stay nice and warm which was welcome after spending a couple of hours exposed to temperatures in the mid-30s and nasty wind at 14,000+ foot altitude. 😉
An athletic push off and launch
Looking much like a professional swimmer leaping off the side of the pool, this Bald Eagle launches itself into the air from its perch. Kind of a fun picture that showcases the power and size of these incredible raptors.
All of the little ones at the nest sites I visit have fledged and the families are now spreading out and becoming a bit more difficult to find. Come the fall though, the seasonal visitors will return and I am already anxiously awaiting the time.
Portrait of a regal Bald Eagle
Striking the quintessential pose, this majestic male seemed to know he was top dog and loving all the attention he was getting. Taken back in February at St. Vrain State Park, Colorado, I was fortunate enough to spend more than an hour observing him before he finally got bored with me and moved on.
Big mama Grizzly Bear out for a morning walk
I tried hard to find Grizzly Bears while on my trip to Yellowstone and the Tetons but this was the only encounter I had.
Out early one morning, I spot a sow and her two year old offspring as they wandered through a small meadow. Unfortunately, not long after I arrived, so too did some rather noisy tourists and the bears opted to head off immediately.
It was very early and heavily overcast so the light was horrible and as a result, the pictures are not the best. Nevertheless, seeing one of these massive creatures is always a thrill and something I cherish.
Taken in the Pacific Creek area of Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming.
A very naughty fox
Coming down Mount Evans, Colorado I came across this foxy lady. She was going down the middle of the road and when cars would slow, she would walk right up to them. It was clear she had learned some bad habits about begging for food and the tourists were probably all too happy to oblige. There was a house right around the corner so it could be the locals are feeding the problem as well. I didn’t feed her of course but I did take advantage of the photo op.
Please, don’t ever feed wildlife, no matter how much they beg or how much you think it looks like they might need it. You are endangering them and habituating them to going to humans for their basic needs.
Yellowstone’s impressive Lower Falls
Plunging just over 300 feet – nearly twice as high as Niagra Falls – the Lower Falls in Yellowstone National Park is nothing less than amazing. With lots of snowmelt following a very wet winter and recent rains, it was even more so during our visit a couple of weeks ago. Fed by the Yellowstone River, it is the largest volume waterfall in the Rocky Mountains. From this spot, the waters then enter the 20-mile-long Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone which at more than 1,000 feet high is astounding unto itself.