When it comes to fall foliage in Colorado, Quaking Aspens (Populus tremuloides) garner most of the enthusiasm, and rightly so. But the majority of the state’s aspen grow only in the higher reaches of the montane zone between 8,000 and 10,000 feet (2,400 to 3,000 meters) and their glory is often short-lived. Fortunately for those … Continue reading An Ode to (Scrub) Oak
The meadow still lies in the shadow of a mountain on this early July morning and when I notice a shape gliding across it, my first thought is that it belongs to a jogger. But another glance shows a fast-approaching tall and dark outline and I realize my error. I lift my binoculars to my … Continue reading Apparition
Why do we keep taking photos of the same subject over and over, even though our archives likely contain the very plant or animal motif many times over? Is it because we always hope for a technically improved or aesthetically more pleasing image? Possibly. But I think more often than not it’s done simply to … Continue reading Aspenglow
Some days assume an ethereal quality during the living, and October 1 was just such a day. In search of fall colors, my husband and I traveled to Mueller State Park in neighboring Teller County, about 30 miles (48 Km) west of Colorado Springs. 9 o'clock in the morning found the thermometer flirting with a … Continue reading Moon of the Yellowing Leaves
When my husband and I espied a flock of big, white birds while approaching Colorado’s Windy Gap Reservoir near Granby ten or so years ago, we first mistook them for swans. Upon closer scrutiny and after consulting our nature guide, they turned out to be American White Pelicans. Pelicans in Colorado? Apparently so! During a … Continue reading Pelicans In Colorado?
tanja britton 