Welcome to the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo

North America’s most elevated zoo happens to be located in Colorado Springs. Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is situated on the eastern flank of Cheyenne Mountain, one of the Front Range peaks that dominates the skyline just west of the city. Its entrance is located at 6,718 feet above sea level, but the zoo’s footprint, following the … Continue reading Welcome to the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo

A Weaselly Surprise

When I noticed something bright in my peripheral field of vision and my eyes afterward focused on this sleek creature, I felt slightly disoriented. The animal seemed out of its element, at least in my mind. It was October 2020 and I was birding along a paved path in a well-developed suburban subdivision. A weasel … Continue reading A Weaselly Surprise

Animal Encounters

Meetings with animals wild and tame make me happy.  And while birds touch my soul most profoundly, I'm always grateful for opportunities to observe and photograph other creatures. All of the following pictures were taken this summer, except for the last one. I had to chuckle when I came across these slightly uncommon pets: not … Continue reading Animal Encounters

Life at the Cemetery

Cemeteries throughout history have been called cities of the dead (necropolis), but one of the reasons I like to spend time in them while still moving and breathing is related to the fact that they abound with life. As stated before, graveyards tend to be verdant oases that provide habitat for many animals, and Evergreen … Continue reading Life at the Cemetery

My Turtle Self

In the lowermost layer of the pond I make my home. In the deepest, darkest, and dankest part of the pool I sleep through the cold season. By immuring myself against cold and hunger, my immovable body becomes part of the watery world, my immobile form invites vegetation to take hold, and aquatic animals live … Continue reading My Turtle Self