Feeling grumpy this evening so I figured I would post something that makes me smile. 😉
Fog, frost and fall colors
It was probably the last, good weekend to view the changing foliage in Colorado’s high country and Rocky Mountain National Park’s Kawuneeche Valley was one of my stops. Temperatures had dropped to close to freezing and frost coated the grass and trees. In one spot, thick fog settled in obscuring the view but a hint of sun helped illuminate the golden leaves on aspen trees. It made for a very pretty, calm and quiet scene in one of the most beautiful places in the state.
2017 wildlife, landscape, raptor and Bald Eagle calendars now available
I am pleased to announce the availability of my 2017 calendars with some of the amazing animals, raptors, and landscapes I have captured with my camera over the past year. Whether you are struck by the sight of a majestic Bald Eagle, awed by sunrises and sunsets or amazed by the animals that we share the planet with, there is a wide variety of subjects to choose from. Get more details here.
Bull Elk enjoys the bachelor life at high altitude
Well, he may not be enjoying being a bachelor but this big guy found himself alone and without a harem. He was hanging out in the rarified air near the top of Trail Ridge Road which reaches an altitude of 12,183 feet. There were actually three bulls up there, one did have a nice little harem of a half dozen ladies all to himself.
The annual rut is winding down now and it is showing on the males. It was clear that they were far less active than in recent weeks and seemed to be less likely to challenge other bulls.
American White Pelican soars with ease
While driving today I saw a pod of a dozen or so of these large birds flying overhead and while I didn’t any pics of them then, I figured I would post an image of one from back in March.
This time of year these birds are looking to move south to warmer conditions, then they were just returning to Colorado for the season.
American White Pelicans spend their winters along the Gulf and southern Pacific coasts as well as in Mexico. Springtime sees them move north with many going to Canada and the northern plains but some choosing to stop part way and spend the summer in the Centennial State, northern California and a few other spots.
The Little Buckaroo Ranch Barn in Black and White
A somewhat hidden gem in Rocky Mountain National Park and one which I visited for the first time this weekend. I never even knew the place existed until I saw a picture another photographer had posted recently and then knew I had to check it out.
Built in 1942, the barn lies in the shadows of the Never Summer Mountains in the park’s Kawuneeche Valley. It is on the National Register of Historic Places and one of the few barns left in Rocky Mountain as most others were removed to return the landscape to its natural state.
The ranch was last owned by Fred Dick who left it to his wife, Betty, when he died in 1992. The NPS tried to evict Mrs. Dick causing an uproar in the local community that garnered national media attention.
In 2006 Congress passed the “Betty Dick Residence Protection Act” which was then signed by President George W. Bush ensuring Mrs. Dick could remain for the rest of her life. Sadly she passed away in November of that year but did spend her last summer on the property.
Launch!
It won’t be long and these majestic creatures will be returning to the Colorado Front Range for the fall and winter. This image was taken almost exactly one year ago today on October 3, 2015, when I first started to see the fall arrivals last year. That was a bit earlier than normal but hopefully this year will follow suit. I can’t wait!
Raise ’em up and be happy – it’s Freedom Friday!
Out for a wildlife drive this past Sunday, I happened across this pair of Bald Eagles. They have a nearby nest that is well within private property so it isn’t often you get a good view of them.
On this day, the pair was initially together in a tree near the road however the lighting was horrible as the sun was just rising. After they departed, I then found the female alone and in better light but a good ways away. I did manage some decent captures of her though including this one as she took flight.
Taken near Longmont, Colorado.
First visit to a historic Colorado waterwheel
While on Interstate 70 I have probably driven by and seen this hundreds of times but never stopped. On a whim during our return from leaf peeping, my son and I checked it out.
Located an easy walk from downtown Idaho Springs, Colorado, the Charlie Tayler Waterwheel is at the base of Bridal Veil Falls which feeds into Clear Creek. It is a very cool, very pretty spot with the waterfall and waterwheel provide nice subjects.
The wheel was originally built in 1893 by a local miner. Mr Tayler is said to have claimed his long life was attributed to having never bathed or kissed a woman. I’m not so sure that is a worthwhile trade off. 😉
Bull Elk shows the little ones how to do it
While there were no battles on the evening I took this image, it was certainly obvious the Elk rut was in full swing. This bull had gathered himself 30 or so cows and calves in the Moraine Park area of Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado. He was unchallenged and made lots of noise to make sure it stayed that way. Here he stands over two calves as he bugles, perhaps teaching them how to be top dogs themselves in the future. 😉