Precious Prairie

tanjabrittonwriter 61 Comments

A continual chant pouring forth from the beaks of Western Meadowlarks. The occasional twitter of Horned Larks. Near-constant chirping of curious yet cautious Black-tailed Prairie Dogs. A sporadic appearance of Pronghorn. Last but not least, sweeping views of Pikes Peak, our local fourteener, and its lower Front Range neighbors.

These are some of the delights that await in eastern El Paso County, only a few miles beyond the city margins of Colorado Springs and Fountain. As I have mentioned before, more than half of Colorado sits on the Great Plains. Before my interest in birds and nature, the prairie environment that presented itself during cross-country trips between Colorado and neighboring states to the East appeared somewhat monotonous and tiresome, but since my eyes have been opened to its incredible richness and variety, I love spending time in it.

Alas, much of the land is private and fenced-in and can only be admired from afar. A number of public county parks make the prairie accessible on foot and enable more intimate experiences, such as those extolled in my introductory paragraph. Among these parks is Bluestem Prairie Open Space. It surrounds the centrally located Big Johnson Reservoir, one of many man-made water storage pools without which no city would exist in the arid American West. The existence of the reservoir also ensures the presence of waterfowl and shorebirds. The combination of this watery world and its adjoining grasslands makes this area one of El Paso County’s top birding hotspots, with 262 species reported thus far.

The last few months found me strolling across the rolling scenery at the Bluestem Prairie on two occasions. My first foray on March 18 happened after a light snowfall, reflected by the white powder on our foothills and Pikes Peak. That day coincided with the migration of a small flock of Mountain Bluebirds. To my utter elation (you might recall my fondness for them), their flight path paralleled my trajectory. Hovering between and landing on top of the posts of the fence that keeps humans on the trail and away from the water, they seemed to travel alongside me. The mellifluous melodies of meadowlarks only added to the day’s wonders.

To enlarge a photo, click on it. To read its caption, hover a cursor over it.

Big Johnson Reservoir and Pikes Peak in March 2022. The white spots along the water’s edge are gulls.
Western Meadowlark/Wiesenstärling
Mountain Bluebird/Berghüttensänger
Mountain Bluebird perched on last year’s yucca seed capsules/Berghüttensänger

If you are used to more verdant prospects, you might wonder at the beige and tan vegetation. This is the normal color of the attire the prairie dons in winter, but the earthen tones are likely more pronounced and prolonged because of the decades-spanning drought that has parched the soil.

Big Johnson Reservoir and Pikes Peak in April 2022

My second visit in early April didn’t yet show much floral progression and most of the snow had disappeared, save on Pikes Peak. My hope of seeing my first Burrowing Owl of the year wasn’t fulfilled, but the prairie dogs, permanent residents of the burrows which they will soon share with the ground-dwelling owls, were out in full force on this warm, sunny morning and kept informing one another of my progress and activities. It’s inconceivable to me that these intelligent and inquisitive rodents with an elaborate language of their own have lost—and continue to lose—their lives in depressing numbers to ever-expanding human dwellings. What my photos don’t show are the residential developments that have sprung up on three sides of the open space in the last several decades, nor the roads that line it along each edge and generate an almost incessant hum, if not roar, of engines.

But at least the population of this prairie dog town is safe, and I look forward to visiting my furry friends again soon and learning who else—besides the Burrowing Owls—will take up residence near them for the summer months.

Black-tailed Prairie Dog/Schwarzschwanz-Präriehund
Black-tailed Prairie Dog/Schwarzschwanz-Präriehund
Black-tailed Prairie Dog/Schwarzschwanz-Präriehund
Black-tailed Prairie Dog/Schwarzschwanz-Präriehund
Black-tailed Prairie Dog/Schwarzschwanz-Präriehund

61 thoughts on “Precious Prairie”

  1. Love the subtle hue of the Mountain Bluebird.
    Gorgeous images of the Prairie dogs, especially the last one.
    Seems a shame that the world over we have to intrude into and build in ‘wilderness’.

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  3. I enjoyed several visits to prairie dog towns during our trips to your part of the US, always full of life and joyful activity. Happy memories! And thanks to your post I’ve learned the German for both ‘black’ and ‘tail’! (I regret to say that languages were never my strong point!)

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    • I’m glad you have happy memories of visiting prairie dog villages, Mr. P. And that you picked up a few new words in a foreign language. The next time you visit a prairie dog town you can impress one of the many German tourists. 😊

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  4. Your vivid writing and photos made the prairie come alive for this Mainer, who has never seen a prairie and probably never will. One of the wonders and delights of blogging is seeing faraway places through the eyes of those who live there. I particularly liked this: “Before my interest in birds and nature, the prairie environment that presented itself during cross-country trips between Colorado and neighboring states to the East appeared somewhat monotonous and tiresome, but since my eyes have been opened to its incredible richness and variety, I love spending time in it.”

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    • Thank you, Laurie. I’m so glad you enjoyed this little glimpse into our prairie habitat. I share your appreciation for all the learning available to us thanks to fellow bloggers from all across the world. It’s really quite amazing.

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  5. How interesting to compare the differences in the landscape between March and April and lovely pictures too. Thanks for the photos and info on the prairie dogs – it made me read further about them and I see they are a keystone species and I learned a bit more about their ‘elaborate language’ that you refer to. I do hope that as people learn more about them they are less persecuted, but sadly the habitat loss continues to be relentless. The conservation areas that remain are so important (not least for our mental health). Take care.

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    • Thank you, Carol. I also hope that enough people will care enough to stop the ongoing wanton destruction of habitat of so many different species. But realistically, most people have more pressing needs just to survive, and as long as that is the case, I fear they won’t care about the fate of fellow creatures.

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  6. You’re probably aware that of the various types of ecological regions in the United States, native prairies have been the most endangered, with settlers having farmed or ranched almost all of them. In my state we have the conservation group Native Prairies Association of Texas (https://texasprairie.org/) which works to conserve remnant prairie parcels.

    There’s a nice lilt to the German Schwarzschwanz (says someone named Schwartzman). I see you follow the English and likewise say Präriehund.

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    • I’m glad you like the ring of Schwarzschwanzpräriehund, Herr Schwartzman.

      The loss of prairie is tragic not only for the land, but for all the creatures dependent on it. You likely recall the news about the devastating loss of birds published a few years ago. Prairie-dependent birds were even more affected than birds in other habitats, some with a 50% decrease in numers. It makes me so sad, but it makes me even more furious because we just consider it “collateral damage” to our destructive lifestyles.

      I hope that organizations like the one you mentioned will succeed in restoring at least some of the prairies.

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  11. Liebe Tanja,
    die Weite und Menschenleere dieser Landschaft finde ich immer wieder attraktiv und beeindruckend.
    Der Mountain Bluebird ist nach wie vor mein Lieblingsvogel aus Deinen fotografischen Fängen.
    Vor dem blauen Hintergrund wirkt das blaue Gefieder beinahe schon tarnfarben.
    Herzlich dankt und grüßt
    Ulrike

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    • Ich danke Dir, liebe Ulrike. Wann immer ich ein Bluebirdphoto im Blog zeige, denke ich immer “das wird Ulrike hoffentlich wieder gefallen”. 😊
      Es freut mich, daß das der Fall ist. Ich finde sie einfach unwiderstehlich.

      Die Weite des Landes und des Himmels, die zu meinen frühsten Eindrücken dieses Landes zählen, lassen mich auch nach vielen Jahren immer wieder staunen.

      Sei herzlich gegrüßt,
      Tanja

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  12. Your “bluebird ramble” must have been sheer heaven, Tanja! I always chuckle when I’m watching some gardening show and the presenters are suddenly singing the praises of the prairie. Prairie flowers, prairie gardens. good for nature, good for the drought-like conditions coming to the East. “Prairie” is totally hip in New England these days! Why didn’t they talk about the prairie years ago? 😉 Anyway, I love all your posts, but I must say that the “you are there” quality of this post was enchanting, and one of my favorites!
    Best,
    Julie

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    • Thank you for the compliment, Julie. The bluebird ramble (I love your choice of words) was absolutely heavenly. I always feel so lucky for these memorable, intimate experiences.

      Xeri- or zeroscaping is becoming popular here as well because of our drought. It’s a paradox that a lot of the properties that were built on the prairie replaced native, water-resistant grasses with Kentucky bluegrass, which is inordinately thirsty. But I guess when the major building boom started, rainfall was sufficient to make us forget we were living in a high desert.

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    • Good question, Neil. I can’t find any specific information about Big Johnson Reservoir, but statewide reservoirs are about 73% full (average is 74% full for this time of year). But that number doesn’t reflect the fact that 83 % of Colorado is in a moderate, and 32% in a severe drought. March and April are usually wet months, but our precipitation has been far below average.

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  15. Tanja, what a gorgeous picture of Bluebird and Pikes Peak!!
    Not related to your post, but recently came across to a video on murmuration pattern of birds. It was something I saw for the first time and I was blown away with amazement. Don’t know how would I react if ever I will get a chance to see it real!

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  17. So wonderful to see the other side (literally) of Pikes Peak, Tanja. I always enjoy tagging along on your walks, and seeing through your eyes (and camera!). No meadowlarks up at our place yet, but the bluebirds are checking out potential nest boxes. Their presence is as reassuring as the dry weather is unnerving.

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    • Thanks for tagging along on my strolls, Andrea. Our lack of precipitation is indeed very disconcerting and the many fires so early in the year only add to the worry.
      I’m glad to hear your bluebirds are getting ready to settle down and hope they will soon be joined by meadowlarks. Their songs should bring you some cheer.

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  20. Outstanding prairie photographs!

    It always amazes me how much LIFE is present in an area that, at first glance, appears to be barren. Wandering for a short distance disabuses one of that attitude in a hurry!

    A bonus in exploring that location is the incredible drop-dead gorgeous backdrop of the mountains! Takes my breath away.

    Thank you for sharing such spectacular beauty!

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    • Thank you for your enthusiasm, Wally. Compared to lush and green Florida or other eastern states, the prairie during winter and early spring is often quite a shock to people visiting from the East. But like other specialized habitats, it provides an amazing complexity and variety of plants and animals. I have thoroughly fallen in love with it.

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  21. ‘Precious’ is the right word – what a wonderful environment! It was a pleasure to experience a little of it through your eyes. I especially loved the photograph of the bluebird on the yucca – beautiful!

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    • Thank you, Ann. I still remember that bluebird. He wasn’t bothered by me at all and didn’t mind posing, for which I was grateful. In a wet year, the prairie will come alive with wildflowers of amazing color and variety. If ever we get back into a period of “normal” rainfall, I will try to capture and share some of that.

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  22. It took me a moment to figure out the word “fourteener.” Now, I’ve got it! I smiled, too, at your reference to the apparent ‘nothingness’ of the prairies. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard someone say, “We couldn’t wait to get through Kansas [Nebraska, the Texas Panhandle, etc.] There’s nothing there.” Not so, and learning how much is “there” has been one of the joys of my life.

    I just had to post this little portrait of Scooter, our prairie-dog pet extraordinaire. I’d never recommend a prairie dog as a pet, and Scooter came to us through a whole series of odd circumstances; he couldn’t be rehomed, so mi casa es su casa, as the saying goes. In case you ever need a few tips, I can offer these. They’re incredibly social animals, and without companions of their kind, you’re it. Never give them alfalfa or other high-protein forage; it’s not good for them. Sweet potatoes are a welcome treat, and if you can’t find your prairie dog, check the sofa and mattress first. They’re burrowing animals, and…

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    • Sorry about the “fourteener,” Linda. I have mentioned it before, but keep forgetting that the name isn’t common knowledge for someone who doesn’t live in a state with 54 mountains that exceed 14,000 feet.

      Before getting to know prairie plants and animals, I was one of those people who talked about “emptiness” and “middle of nowhere.” I’m really glad I have had the chance to remedy my ignorance.

      You have mentioned Scooter before and I enjoyed your stories about him. Thank you for sharing his portrait. What a unique experience to have had a pet prairie dog. It would be quite a surprise to find one tunneling into one’s mattress. 😊

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  23. Thank you for this fantastic post.
    YR
    PS I dare to ask you one thing. I have had problems with my avatar image. It keeps on disappearing a few seconds after I have clicked the like button. Can you see my YR initial avatar image, white letters, and black background?

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  24. The wide open spaces of Colorado, which includes the prairie you wonderfully extolled, is so different from the environment where I spend my time. The view of the mountains is breathtaking, especially with the dusting of snow. I am envious as can be of you living near prairie dog towns. They are among my favorite animals when I see a film of them so lively. And your photo of the mountain bluebird is beautiful, Tanja. Excellent post that you have shared with us.

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    • Thank you for you comment, Steve. I love spending time on the prairie and feel very lucky to be able to see prairie dogs basically any time I want.
      This particular location offers some of my favorite views and birds, so I spend quite a bit of time there.
      I do envy your greener, wetter conditions, though, in particular during our prolonged and profound dry spell.

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  25. Der Berghüttensänger hat ja eine wunderbar luftige blaue Farbe. Was für eine Schönheit. Und dann hast du welche von meinen Lieblingstieren in Natura fotografiert, die ich nur aus dem Zoo kenne: Präriehunde. Ich liebe sie 🙂 So süß! Deine Bilder sind allerliebst. Ich hoffe, du kannst sie noch oft sehen diesen Sommer!
    Gestern abend hörte ich zufälligerweise in einem Bericht, daß durch die Staudämme am Colorado in den USA in Mexiko nur noch ein Zehntel des Wassers ankommt. Dort ist der Colorado sogar schon trockengefallen, wenn ich das richtig verstanden habe. Kürzlich wurde dann mal wieder mehr Wasser abgelassen, so daß dort auch was ankam. Immer schwierig, wenn mehrere Länder von einem Fluß abhängig sind.
    Immerhin wunderbar zu hören, wieviele Vogelarten sich dort tummeln. Das scheint ja ein wahres Paradies zu sein. LG Almuth

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    • Ja, dieses Blau ist eine ganz besondere Farbe, liebe Almuth, und wenn der Vogel durch die Lüfte schwebt, hat er ein ganz besonderes Charisma.

      Der Colorado kommt schon seit Jahrzehnten nicht mehr an seinem Delta in in Mexiko an, weil ihm so viel Wasser entlang seines Verlaufs entnommen wird. Dieses Delta war einst ein Paradies für Vögel und andere Lebewesen, und ich kann nur davon träumen, so etwas Ähnliches jemals zu erleben. Es gibt Initiativen, die versuchen, das Delta wieder zu regenerieren, doch die Trockenheit, die seit 2 Jahrzehnten hier herrscht, macht das momentan unmöglich. Die Lage ist sehr, sehr ernst.

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      • Dann ist es vielleicht ein blauer Vogel der Hoffnung. Zu wünschen wäre es.

        Was die Trockenheit, Hitzewellen und zunehmenden Dürren angeht, ist es in der Tat unheimlich und bedrohlich. Bei euch ist es wohl wirklich schon dramatisch. Wer weiß, vielleicht wird man manche Gebiete aufgeben müssen. Es sei denn, wir können uns auf irgendeine Art anpassen. Ich wünsche euch und uns Regen, in normalen, aber ausreichenden Mengen. März und April gabs hier im mittleren Norden auch so gut wie keinen Regen.

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      • Danke für die guten Wünsche, liebe Almuth. Ich hoffe immer, daß alles besser wird, befürchte jedoch das Gegenteil. Und wie anpassungsfähig (bzw. -unfähig) wir sind, wird sich dann herausstellen. 😦

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