• Arapaho Bend Natural Area,  Avian,  Canada Goose,  clouds,  Humor,  landscape,  natural areas

    Random Formation

    January 24, 2022
    Geese flying over Rigden Reservoir

    There was a lot of chatter going up there as these Canada Geese flew over me. Had to chuckle as I imagined what they are honking up about. Do you suppose they are just like we are when we get in our cars and head somewhere? Were some complaining the goose behind them was following too close? Were some wanting to fly faster or slower? Were some being backseat flyers? Were some wanting to land here or fly on farther? Were some trying to control the formation, shouting instructions to others because the formation is not what they wanted? Do I even want to know? Not really but I had fun with my imagination. Have a great week!

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  • Arapaho Bend Natural Area,  Avian,  Canada Goose,  landscape,  natural areas,  quotes,  sunrises

    Happy New Year!

    January 1, 2022
    Sunrise at Arapaho Bend Natural Area

    May your coming year be filled with magic and dreams and good madness. I hope you read some fine books and kiss someone who thinks you’re wonderful, and don’t forget to make some art — write or draw or build or sing or live as only you can. And I hope, somewhere in the next year, you surprise yourself.

    Neil Gaiman

    Hoping you surprise yourself in 2022!

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  • Avian,  Canada Goose,  clouds,  gratitude,  landscape,  natural areas,  Plants,  reflections,  sunrises,  trees

    Listening to Nature

    April 8, 2021

    I have friends vacationing in Hawaii with kids and grandkids. I’m a bit envious of them sitting on the beach working on a tan. All the photos they’ve sent include big smiles. Yet, this morning while visiting the Top Minnow Natural Area, I was reminded by the red-winged blackbirds and the meadowlarks of just how beautiful it is right here. They were reminding through their joyful songs to be grateful for where I’m at and what I have. These two Canada Goose told me the same thing. I’m learning to listen to the wisdom of nature more often.

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  • Avian,  Canada Goose,  fog

    Sleeping-in

    March 16, 2021

    Found these two Canada Goose sleeping-in late on the pond. A half dozen more are off to my right curled in the same position. Four days ago the pond was all open water. Two nights below freezing changed that. Fog is unusual for us along the foothills. We will find more of it as we move east onto the plains, especially along rivers and open water. So, the fog was a treat for me this morning. It is also cold, in the high teens, frost covers everything and only expecting to be in the mid 30’s today and a bit of sunshine.

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  • Avian,  Canada Goose,  landscape,  seasons,  snow,  winter scenes

    Make Popcorn

    March 15, 2021

    I need you to realize this goose is standing on about 16 inches of snow. I watched them sink into the snow up to their chest on each step they took as they walked across the yard. Some of those branches in the background are broken. There will be lots of tree cleanup over the next few weeks. And, yes this is my second post for the day. I’m breaking the rules.

    My parking lot is a mess as they have not had a snowplow go through yet. So, I also watched people with low clearance cars work hard to clean off their cars then backup a couple feet and get high-centered, wheels off the ground. I shook my head and asked the question, “Why don’t they just go back inside and make popcorn, like I do?”

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  • Avian,  Canada Goose,  landscape,  mountains

    Lift Off

    February 19, 2021

    While driving along Weld County Road 13 this evening I encountered hundreds of Canada Geese in this massive cut corn field. As I crested this small hill many of them took to the air. I stopped and got off four shots before it was all over. I missed the best part. When you enlarge the image you can see hundreds more of the geese still on the ground. There are also three goose blinds made of bales of hay. So, I figure the farmer is making a few dollars from the hunters. It was also quite noisy when they lifted off.

    Today was a lovely day, blue skies and sunshine. The wind began to blow this afternoon and you can see the clouds building up over the mountains. Always a good indication that something is in the air; snow tomorrow night. Have a great weekend!

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