Townsends Solitarie

On December 13, 2016December 12, 2016 By Mike Bizeau22 Comments

The Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology describes the Townsend’s Solitaire as “A long-tailed gray bird of the high western mountains, the Townsend’s Solitaire descends in the winter to lower elevations where it feeds almost exclusively on juniper berries. ”

That pretty much sums up our experience with these birds. We see them only in winter and always in, around and defending their patch of Juniper berries.

Although described as grey they are much more than that and deserving of the spotlight on a stage all their own.

Ol’ Brown eyes

On November 30, 2016November 29, 2016 By Mike Bizeau24 Comments

As we sat quietly waiting for a group of Waxwings to show up in the berry filled shrubs nearby this fine looking fellow strolled up to within 10 feet or so from us. He seemed not too worried about our presence and went about foraging as he made his way through the forest.

Move along…nothing to see here

On November 26, 2016November 26, 2016 By Mike Bizeau11 Comments

Except a beautiful juvenile Black Crowned Night Heron watching the pond below from the comfort of a wonderful cottonwood tree. Along Clear Creek in Denver, CO.

Brunch in the Rabbit Brush

On November 25, 2016November 25, 2016 By Mike Bizeau22 Comments

This Female White Crowned Sparrow is enjoying quite the mid-morning brunch picking seeds from the Rabbit Brush. With the hillside covered and the plants now dry and full of seeds, she had quite the buffet to choose from.

At Rivers edge

On November 21, 2016November 21, 2016 By Mike Bizeau8 Comments

The rivers pace has slowed as the mountain snowmelt that gives it life has become a trickle.

The summer sun has moved to the south and the shadows are getting long.

The golden colors shout look at me yet whisper of the winter that is to come.

Deep in the Rio Grande gorge, Nov 13th, 2016.

Mr. Finch

On November 20, 2016November 19, 2016 By Mike Bizeau25 Comments

Extracting tiny seeds from a dried thistle seems like a tough way to earn your keep but this finch is a master of his trade. We watched as this guy quickly pulled seeds from the dried thistle and had himself quite a meal. Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge.

As the sun goes down

On November 18, 2016November 18, 2016 By Mike Bizeau13 Comments

The plants of the high desert once green with the summers rains now glow golden with the November setting sun. A nice way to add a bit of warmth to start of a chilly night in the high desert of Northern New Mexico.

nature has no boss

Tag: fall