Journey to the Cranes

Last week’s post was a love song to the spectacular Sandhill Cranes who migrate through Colorado's San Luis Valley twice a year. This week’s is a tribute to the no less spectacular setting where the cranes congregate each spring and autumn. Multiple routes lead to the San Luis Valley from Colorado Springs, but the most … Continue reading Journey to the Cranes

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?

My Wildlife Year

When reviewing photos for my last post, “My Colorado Wildflower Year,” I also enjoyed seeing images of wildlife I encountered in 2023, and I thought you might, too. A few of these were included in previous posts; others I hope to incorporate into future ones. Astute readers will detect the omission of “Colorado” in this … Continue reading My Wildlife Year

My Colorado Wildflower Year

Happy New Year to you, and welcome back to my blog, which took a looong nap. Reviews of the old year are supposed to happen when that year is on the wane, not when the new year is in ascendance. But travel, a lingering respiratory infection, and a profound weltschmerz, which many of you will … Continue reading My Colorado Wildflower Year

Traveling under a Hunter’s Moon

October’s full moon has long been nicknamed Hunter’s Moon, as it heralds the beginning of the hunting season in the northern hemisphere. If you pay attention to lunar cycles, you will know that this month’s Hunter’s Moon will not appear until the end of the month, October 28, to be exact, so today’s essay pertains … Continue reading Traveling under a Hunter’s Moon