Our national emblem, the Bald Eagle, takes flight into the early morning sun back in March in Morgan County, Colorado. I’ll return to posting pictures from my recent trip but for now, given that it is Independence Day, it is fitting to share images of this majestic creature, one that symbolizes the meaning of the day. Have a happy Fourth of July, everyone!
Beautiful Bald Eagle strikes a post for Freedom Friday
A capture of a female eagle that was perched along Colorado’s South Platte River a few weeks ago. By the time I had found her the light had gotten a bit harsh but that didn’t really affect how impressive she looked. Have a great weekend, everyone!
Pronghorn buck stands proud on the plains
This handsome fellow was patrolling the Colorado plains this past weekend. Clearly an older buck judging by the size of his horns, he was willing to pose for a few pictures – but no more – before putting some distance between himself and I.
I actually ended up getting into a bit of a race with him as he showcased his incredible speed. After he walked off and got out of range, I continued on, turning on a perpendicular road looking for other wildlife. Next thing I know, he is on a hillside about 50 yards away running at full speed parallel to my truck – at just over 40 mph!
He raced alongside for a good half mile or so before peeling off to the other side of the hill. It was almost as if he was wanting to test his speed against me. 😉 I so wish I had been able to capture video and drive at the same time as it was absolutely impressive how fast and easily this speed demon was able to move across the grasslands. It was an amazing thing to see! Taken in Morgan County, Colorado.
Peek-a-boo!
A Burrowing Owl hides behind some weeds and grass. Sadly, thanks to the eradication efforts of the U.S. Department of Agriculture and Denver International Airport-DIA, Burrowing Owls have become a scarce in the Denver area. Their decision to wipe out dozens of acres of Prairie Dog habitat have also wiped out this threatened species’ homes. Photo opportunities for them has plummeted as well. I did spot this one at the Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge recently although it refused to make itself fully visible.
Swainson’s Hawk launches, keeps close eye on the photographer
I haven’t really gotten my usual fill of pictures of these summertime residents of Colorado. The last couple of weekends though gave me a few opportunities, including some captures of this beautiful female. She was perched on a fence post in rural Morgan County and tolerated me – but only briefly. I managed a few quick captures as she took flight.
Freedom flight on a winter’s day
Taken back in January, the only thing as beautiful as this bald eagle was the cloud-dotted, deep blue Colorado skies. I had found this eagle perched on a high tension power pole, regally surveying the domain below. After a time, it took flight, giving a series of very nice flight images.
Bald Eagle bows in honor of a hero on Freedom Friday
When Blue Angel 6 crashed in a Tennessee field last Thursday, June 2, Colorado lost a son. United States Marine Corps Captain Jeff Kuss of Durango was killed, leaving behind his wife and two young children.
Tomorrow he will be honored and laid to rest in his hometown. As the motorcade works its way to Captain Kuss’ final resting place, heads will bow, tears will be shed.
Fair winds and following seas, shipmate. May you rest in peace.
“Oh! I have slipped the surly bonds of Earth
And danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings;
Sunward I’ve climbed, and joined the tumbling mirth
of sun-split clouds, — and done a hundred things
You have not dreamed of — wheeled and soared and swung
High in the sunlit silence. Hov’ring there,
I’ve chased the shouting wind along, and flung
My eager craft through footless halls of air….Up, up the long, delirious, burning blue
I’ve topped the wind-swept heights with easy grace.
Where never lark, or even eagle flew —
And, while with silent, lifting mind I’ve trod
The high untrespassed sanctity of space,
– Put out my hand, and touched the face of God.”~John Gillespie Magee, Jr.
White-tailed Jackrabbit plays hide and seek
Thanks to his big ears, Jack was never very good at hide and seek. 😉
I spotted quite a few White-tailed Jackrabbits recently on the Colorado plains but as usual, they took off running before I could even come to a stop. This guy thought he would be clever and hunkered down among some sagebrush not too far off the road. A rising sun behind him lit up those big old ears like a beacon though, effectively negating any camouflage he had.
Although this picture doesn’t convey it, these rabbits are very large. I kind of find them a bit disturbing, like something out of a horror flick.
Eastern Kingbird gets a closeup
I happened across this cute little one and surprisingly enough, it let me walk right up and take a bunch of pictures.
These little birds, and their western cousins, are big time bullies. They are absolutely fearless about confronting raptors that they feel might be a threat or are intruding on their territory. I’ve seen them go after everything from hawks to eagles. It is pretty amusing to watch but it might not be the brightest thing to provoke those big birds. 😉
Male Northern Harrier makes fast moving appearance
Driving along a few days ago I spot a good-sized bird flying low and fast toward me from the side. Slamming on the brakes (I was a on a lonely dirt road), I quickly roll down the window and swing my camera around. As it grabbed focus on the fast-mover, I was excited to discover the object was a male Northern Harrier – the Gray Ghost.
These hawks are relatively common but not often seen and the males in particular seem to have a reluctance about having their picture taken. I usually only see them in the winter so seeing one in the summer and having it be the gorgeous gray male was a special treat. He never did get all that close but I managed some nice captures as he flew by nevertheless.