Kind of a fun image from a couple of weeks ago out near Denver International Airport. As planes came and went, this little guy seemed to be keeping close watch on the goings on.
“And just what do you think you are doing?”
Life at 14,000 feet isn’t for the faint of heart as conditions can be tough. Temperatures are oftentimes quite cold, even in the summer. So, when that sun comes up and finally starts to warm things up a bit, the wildlife takes advantage of it. This little American Pika was quick to emerge when the sun hit near its home and it then spent some time just taking in the warmth. However, it seemed a bit less than thrilled about the human with a camera intruding on its morning peace. 😉
A sunrise that mandated attention
Out on my photo drive on Independence Day I was forced to stop looking for wildlife and instead take in this gorgeous scene unfolding as the sun began to rise. The deep orange of the rising sun coupled with the reflection on Lake Ladora below and the crepuscular rays in the sky above were amazing. Taken at the Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge near Denver, Colorado.
Is it 5:00 yet?
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!
Pastel colored sunrise at the infamous Oxbow Bend
This is almost certainly the most photographed location in all of Grand Teton National Park – and for good reason. From this vantage point you have a view of the Tetons including the 12,605 foot high Mount Moran, the highest peak in the area. Below, the Snake River flows lazily, oftentimes providing picture perfect reflections of the scene above.
On our trip to the park a few weeks ago, only one morning saw weather conducive to picture taking at the spot but thankfully it turned out to be a pretty good one. The colors of sunrise were muted but still enough to color the clouds in pastels and the mountains, following a healthy winter, still had quite a lot of snow on them. Only a few ripples on the water caused by feeding fish disturbed the reflection in the water.
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.
About the Declaration of Independence
About the Declaration of Independence. A friend posted this text and it seems quite appropriate. While some may find the founding documents of our nation and the insight imparted in them malleable, I would argue as a former president did, that the Founding Fathers’ wisdom far exceeds our own and that those words are not for us to change. We would do well to remember what they went through, their sacrifices, and their thoughts that went into the words of wisdom of that declaration and our Constitution.
“About the Declaration there is a finality that is exceedingly restful. It is often asserted that the world has made a great deal of progress since 1776, that we have had new thoughts and new experiences which have given us a great advance over the people of that day, and that we may therefore very well discard their conclusions for something more modern. But that reasoning can not be applied to this great charter. If all men are created equal, that is final. If they are endowed with inalienable rights, that is final. If governments derive their just powers from the consent of the governed, that is final. No advance, no progress can be made beyond these propositions. If anyone wishes to deny their truth or their soundness, the only direction in which he can proceed historically is not forward, but backward toward the time when there was no equality, no rights of the individual, no rule of the people. Those who wish to proceed in that direction can not lay claim to progress. They are reactionary. Their ideas are not more modern, but more ancient, than those of the Revolutionary fathers.”
~ Calvin Coolidge, July 4, 1926
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.
The golden road
Taken last weekend, the sun was extraordinarily orange, likely due to haze in the skies from wildfires burning to Colorado’s west. It was amazing how it lit up the sky above and the landscape below.