• clouds,  horizons,  landscape,  natural areas,  sunrises

    Good Morning

    May 18, 2020
    Morning sunrise at Kingfisher Point Natural Area

    Awoke early and headed east with intentions of stopping at the Kingfisher Point Natural area then walking across the road to the ponds. However, there are now private property signs all along this area. I do not remember them in the previous visits, of course it has been a while. Usually if they are trying to restore an area they post it as such. So, I stayed on my side of the street. Everything is green and lush right now.

    Thought I’d include some history of Kingfisher Natural Area from the CSU website. In 1998, the Fort Collins Natural Areas Program (NAP) purchased the dried waste ponds and has worked since then to rehabilitate the soil, remove non-native plants, and create places for urban recreation. Further south, NAP also added land that includes floodplains ponds, possibly the site of earlier gravel mining like those at Cattail Chorus and Riverbend Ponds, to Kingfisher Point to create a more hospitable area for water birds. After a century and a half, the city mostly has returned water at Kingfisher Point Natural Area to wildlife and environmental protection while simultaneously creating green spaces for residents to recreate.

    They say you can see great horned owls as they’re known to occasionally nest in the area. As the name implies you will see kingfishers, along with wood ducks, pelicans and western tanagers. On a warm evening, you might hear chorus frogs. Good morning from Fort Collins!

    Read More
  • Avian,  lake,  natural areas

    Periods of Silence

    May 17, 2020
    Great Blue Heron at Dixon Reservoir this morning

    The strange look to this water is really the clouds reflected on the calm waters of Dixon Reservoir this morning. When I arrived there were several fishermen out along the shores including this Great Blue Heron. This is almost a 75% crop because it was shot at 55mm, thus it’s not the best image but the feel is what I wanted anyway.

    One of the reasons I come here is because of the silence. The nature area is right up along the foothills and does look down on Fort Collins and very little traffic to be heard. But, things seemed quieter this morning at the nature area, with several periods of complete silence, even with the meadowlarks. I did arrive earlier than usual which may be the reason. Hope everyone has a wonderful Sunday!

    Read More
  • Avian

    Silly Goose

    May 14, 2020
    A pair of Canada Geese and their goslings

    Good morning. Southwest airlines has been emailing me almost every day with offers. This mornings email was offering rewards for all days ending in “y”. Now I assume that includes Blurrsday.  We had thunder, lightning and rain throughout the night and into this morning. Anyway, I want to rant about the geese….

    I find the Canada Goose are interesting to watch. This morning I had a few thoughts I wanted to share with you. First they seem to have no real cares in life except for keeping an eye out for any natural predator, knowing where they are in the food chain. Political issues, the COVID virus, taxes, work stuff are just not a part of their life. They do not seem to be possessive of property but will defend a nesting female within about 10-20 feet of the nest until the young are hatched then it’s back to open land. The gander will fight to protect the female, defend the nest and the young. However, their fighting does not have the intention to kill. Or at least that’s what I’ve observed.

    Read More
  • consumer,  grass,  landscape,  natural areas,  Plants,  shadows,  trees

    Isolation

    May 13, 2020
    Grove of trees in Red Fox Meadows

    Sure dealing with too much isolation over the past few days. Last week when I paid for my mocha at the Human Bean drive through, I actually touched the hands with the barista. Surprised me because it was probably my first physical touch with another human in 5 weeks. Things are not right.

    Way to much consumer shopping on the internet in an attempt  to fix me, and we know that doesn’t work.

    Snacking too much and looking for someone to blame for buying the snacks. Haven’t found him.

    Been walking everyday which helps me stay out of my head, which is a dangerous neighborhood at times. 

    Looking at upgrading my camera since Fujifilm has some sales going on. That won’t make me a better photographer, either.

    Read More
  • clouds,  fog,  landscape,  mountains,  natural areas,  prairie,  trees

    A foggy and misty morning

    May 12, 2020
    Pineridge Nature Area today on a foggy and misty morning

    My restlessness this morning took me to Pineridge Nature Area to joined up with the meadowlarks, Canada Geese, barking prairie dogs, a perched hawk, again. I pretty much had the area to myself. I’m not sure restless is the word or not but that’s what I’m going with. Seems I have been a restless person for many years. Why? I ask myself that simple question a lot. I remember the awareness I had the first time I grabbed my backpack, headed out the door and realized I had no particular place in mind. I was just wanting to go. I journaled about this almost nomadic impulse this morning. I feel much of my seven years working as a flight attendant was rooted in a form of nomadic life, as almost each night was a different city.

    For many years my daydreams have revolved around traveling in a small RV, solo. My parents spent a few years living as snowbirds as did sister and brother-in-law. They all enjoyed it. Yet, what I’m speaking about is living nomadically, no home to return to after a couple months on the road. It would be home. However, I am not in a good financial position to live the nomadic life in a class B van. It would require selling my condo, purchasing a used RV and investing the balance of my home equity. Am I willing to take such a risk? Just throwing some thoughts out there.

    Read More
  • clouds,  landscape,  mountains,  prairie,  sunsets

    Another Sunset

    May 10, 2020
    Tonight’s sunset

    “We desperately need to retrieve our capacity for reverence. Each day that is given to you is full of the shy graciousness of divine tenderness. It is a lovely practice at night to spend a little time while revisiting the invisible sanctuaries of your lived day. Each day is a secret story woven around the radiant heart of wonder. We let our days fall away like empty shells and miss all the treasures.” John O’Donohue 

    Sorry for posting another sunset. I’m almost 70 and for as long as I can remember we  seem to have one every day. Figured I might as well take advantage of them while I can. I just stood in awe and reverence this evening, taking in deep breaths, and grateful I didn’t miss this treasure.

    Read More
  • clouds,  landscape,  poems,  prairie,  writing/reading

    Sing along

    May 9, 2020
    Rainbow in western Weld County, Colorado (2016)

    I had front row seats to the concert. The stage was an old weathered fence post and on stage was one of my favorite solo performers, the western meadowlark. I love their melody but I honestly do not understand the lyrics to their song. So, I listen with my heart and use my gift of imagination. What if their song is letting the world know of the joy they have with life and the desire to share that joy. Then again, they could be asking us to stand in awe and wonder of those clouds placed on the horizon by the Creator. My heart agrees, it is a masterpiece today. Yet, maybe the song is an invitation to return again tomorrow for the finale. And, then the rainbow appeared, a symbol of peace and serenity, and a promise that more is to come. The meadowlark finished the concert and headed to the next one or maybe to practice. Yes, I will return and maybe even sing along.

    Read More
  • architecture,  Black and White,  Candid Portraits,  Documentary/Street

    Have a great Friday

    May 8, 2020
    Student life at Lory Student Center

    This image was taken last fall when campus was still open and students were in classrooms. Some would call it normal, but was it? I’m sitting in my bedroom looking out at overcast skies and a bright but diffused sun. The robins awoke me before dark with their gentle song. I must say it’s much better than waking to an alarm. Not much on my mind this morning, foggy thinking. Have a great Friday and upcoming weekend.

    Read More