Late in the fall as the waterfowl return to our ponds and streams a few Green Winged teal make their winter home on a small Creek nearby. They are the smallest of the Teals and their return always brings a smile to our face and leads a bit of rhythm to the flow of life and the change of seasons.
Clear Creek in Denver, CO
A female Hooded Merganser sits quietly in the cattails protected by three Males. Feels like a story or a painting waiting to happen.
An American Kestrel sat quietly surveying the field on a late November day out in the Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge near Denver, CO.
We watched as the Kestrel quickly swooped down into the dried brown fall grass and pulled up small juicy meals which looked to be caterpillars easily held in their toe.
After a few successful hunts from this one fence post the Kestrel glanced back to see how we had liked the show and then flew off down the road to find another hunting spot.
Not having Mocking birds around us or having much experience with them we were blown away when while getting some gas on a recent trip we heard this guy singing away in the trees at a roadside oasis. He was imitating birds left and right and singing continuously for minutes at a time.
It was a great show to just sit and watch and a nice relaxing break from the road.
We usually do not see Grebes on the local pond during winter in our neck of the woods. However, last week, this Western Grebe was swimming in a small section of a local pond that remained unfrozen. Perhaps she if off course in migration and landed here to rest and refuel. Although it was a pleasure to see her, I hope she takes advantage of this weeks thaw to get back on track and is gone the next time I visit this pond.
We could hear them all around but the forest was thick and every time I put the camera up to my face they quickly flew away. As we continued our walk I stoped trying to get a photo, put the camera in my backpack and just enjoyed listening to thee Sparrows singing their songs.
As we were getting nearer to our car I finally got a photograph yet what I remember most of that hike is listening to them singing their songs.
Watching a Lesser Yellowlegs working over the shoreline of an alpine lake for a meal. Summertime…when the living was easy.
https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Lesser_Yellowlegs/lifehistory
http://www.audubon.org/field-guide/bird/lesser-yellowlegs
A small Song Sparrow finds a little nibble on the beach but first must avoid being nibbled on by this feisty little insect.
Just when you think that you are getting away with quietly watching two Crows just going about their business it becomes clear they have found you out.
A downey Headed Woodpecker checks out their handiwork.
Wheat Ridge, CO.
nature has no boss 
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