I’m always touched when I observe wild animals engage in and enjoy behaviors or activities that resemble my own. This is never more true than when an animal’s pose suggests his or her appreciation of those creature comforts most of us relish across species boundaries. Knowing that their struggle for survival is nearly incessant, I’m … Continue reading Creature Comforts
The moisture in May’s late and only significant precipitation event, as devastating as it was on some levels, nonetheless brought sustenance to the surviving vegetation and assured the growth and blossoming of several flowers, even if they were endowed with less vigor than following a wet spring. Having encouraged a number of wildflower patches in … Continue reading June’s Gifts
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
If eggs are beautifully wrapped gifts with beguiling potential and naked hatchlings are the unsightly presents precious to the giver but not necessarily the giftee, by the time nestlings have put on fluffy down and are begging for food with wide, brightly colored gapes, most recipients would consider them at least acceptable, if not downright … Continue reading Fledgling Summer
Summer was hot in more ways than one. While most humans prefer privacy during their copulatory acts, many animals have no such compunctions. They do it in bright daylight, under the gaze of anyone not bothered by engaging in voyeurism. Even if one does not seek to be privy to these amorous alliances, one can’t … Continue reading Some Like It Hot
tanja britton 