On the southeast edge of the city of Fort Collins is a nature area called Fossil Creek Reservoir Region Open Space. This open space is designated an “Important Bird Area” by the National Audubon Society. It provides crucial habitat to bald eagles (in the winter) and other types of raptors, and many species of shorebirds, songbirds, and waterfowl. Just inside the gate to this area is the above tree sitting in complete solitude with nature. This tree stands as a sentinel just inside the gate area. I have always been called by this tree even before they purchased the land and developed the open space. It’s roots are set at the highest point in the area. The land surrounding this tree was once farmland has been restored to natural grasslands. The tree provides a favorite perching place for raptors. In fact, when I arrived this particular morning an owl was perched high in the branches. But before I could get setup the owl made a dive into the grass, stayed on the ground for about 15 seconds then lifted off and headed north with breakfast in hand.
6 Comments
Earl
Monte, so nice to see land being returned to it’s natural conditions…even if only in small amounts.
This photo has a lot going for it…a delicate silhouette, soft tones, the wispy clouds in the sky behind the tree and just the right amount of detail in the grass. Wonderful job on this one!
Monte Stevens
Thanks Earl. The wind was blowing so the details in the grass and tree branches are blurry but the image still works for me. These scenes are what I missed while living in the densely wooded Ohio Valley. It’s good to be home.
Paul
That’s a great story! I like it when we give the land back to those who take much better care of it than we do. 🙂
Monte Stevens
Yes, and maybe we need to do that more often.
Alan M. Collopy
Monte,
Beautiful image.
Alan
Monte Stevens
Thanks, Alan!