Paradise Lost?

In last week’s post about Sanora Babb’s remarkable memoir, An Owl on Every Post, the Great Plains play a central role. Today I want to talk more about Chico Basin Ranch, my very own favorite place on the plains not too far from Colorado Springs, which straddles both El Paso County, my home county, and … Continue reading Paradise Lost?

Where to Nap?

…during the day is a dilemma each porcupine faces after a nighttime of activity. As an herbivorous, nocturnal rodent who stuffs her tummy with roots, stems, twigs, bark, leaves, buds, flowers, seeds, or nuts of various plants in darkness, when the solar orb rises above the horizon in the morning it’s time to find a … Continue reading Where to Nap?

Chico Magic

When reflecting on a possible blog post theme suitable for the waning year, I didn’t feel inspired to offer the traditional end-of-year-review, but thought of a cherished spot on the map where I spent a lot of time during this, and previous years. I recently wrote about one of my happy places, Fountain Creek Regional … Continue reading Chico Magic

The Many Faces Of Summer

How has your summer been? Naturally beautiful and uplifting, while at the same time so hot and dry that it was hard to endure looking at the sun's broiling face and you spent most of the daytime hours in the cool basement or in air-conditioned rooms? Physically and mentally challenging, with reminders of your mortality? … Continue reading The Many Faces Of Summer

A Summer Day On The Prairie

As I’m driving to Chico Basin Ranch in eastern El Paso County, the sun rises like an orange balloon above the horizon, hazy with smoke from wildfires farther west. I am eager to spend this July morning at one of my favorite birding destinations, which I haven’t visited since the end of May. Migration has … Continue reading A Summer Day On The Prairie