It has been an unusual year for wildflowers. On the plains and in the foothills, a cool and wet spring engendered floral profusion, if a bit belated. In the mountains, heavy spring snows delayed blossoming, and some flower lovers worry that the alpine flora, robust as it is, might not have enough time to complete … Continue reading Colorado Wildflowers
It has been hot! July brought several heat waves, and to someone whose comfort zone is in the low 70s, the high 90s are taxing and trying. I have been hiking early, seeking to escape the sun by midmorning, by withdrawing either into the cool basement, or, occasionally, into an air-conditioned dwelling, something I don’t … Continue reading How To Stay Cool
This is a view I have seen—and photographed—countless times, to my husband’s neverending amusement. He only grins when I show him yet another snapshot, taken from the deck of the Nature Center in Fountain Creek Regional Park, one of my local favorite haunts. I justify my repeated images with the argument that each hour, each … Continue reading Look Who’s There
Among the multitude of notable and noticeable plants of the Great Plains, one stands out by virtue not only of its height of 2 to 3 feet, but also because of its striking spikes, studded with cream-colored to green petals, and adorned with reddish sepals. Soapweed Yucca (Yucca glauca) is one of a number of … Continue reading The Amazing Yucca
On my nature walks, I try to pay attention to all flora and fauna. While my antennae are always on alert for avian activity, they also register other animals. During our sojourn in Germany, I happened upon a few scaly and furry creatures, and some sat still long enough to enable me to take their … Continue reading Germany’s Wild Beasts
tanja britton 