National Bison Day, celebrated in the United States on the first Saturday each November, will fall on November 6 this year. The American Bison was named a national symbol in 2016, only the second animal to be so distinguished, after the Bald Eagle was declared National Bird in 1782. Though commonly called buffalo, American Bison … Continue reading Happy National Bison Day
Do you have a ritual you perform, either when you are elated and ecstatic, or when you feel down and depressed? Are there natural refuges you seek when you need to reset your compass? Ever since feathered beings have captured my heart and imagination, and ever since first witnessing the twice-annual migration of Sandhill cranes … Continue reading The Comfort Of Cranes
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
Somewhat surprisingly, we have had a wet spring in Colorado Springs. Living in a state suffering from drought for the last decades, repeated episodes of late snow and rain have been very welcome. Of note, while the foothills of the Rockies as well as plains have benefitted, the western third of the state, also known … Continue reading Wildflowers of May
May 8, 2021 was designated Global Big Day, a day to encourage individuals worldwide to watch birds and report their sightings to eBird. 51,816 participants submitted 133,887 checklists with 7,234 different avian species. The day resulted in four world records: The greatest number of birders, from the most countries, reported more species on more checklists … Continue reading Birding Big Day
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