tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18564312044668718972024-03-13T16:44:48.321-07:00My owl friendsThis blog was started to share my adventures with some amazing great horned owls. It has now expanded to also sharing my other photographic adventures. Please enjoy!Alexa Boyeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16747241225405199044noreply@blogger.comBlogger375125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1856431204466871897.post-12555707120615826212019-01-09T16:57:00.000-08:002019-01-09T16:57:01.165-08:00Eagles, More Eagles and a Few Other Birds<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Time sure flies when you're having fun, huh? It's been about 7 months since I did a photo blog. Working part time and hiking with Hazel dog have taken up most of my time. I'm not complaining as life is very good! I have taken my camera on occasion when Hazel and I go hiking but I didn't get enough pics to do a blog. So I consciously took a break from photographing wildlife and had a very fun summer into fall into winter!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I looked at my schedule for this week and today( Wednesday) looked like a great day to go to Barr Lake and say hi to the eagles. They are around in the summer but the wintertime is the best time to see them. So I got Hazel and the kitties taken care of and headed out with coffee in hand to see what the day would bring!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I was on the trail less than 5 minutes when I spotted this eagle........</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-55HCyh5Yajg/XDaPi2J_CnI/AAAAAAAANw8/BdyWQwFX7EMwPBnQ6meWBQySd8QRPcszQCLcBGAs/s1600/093A3801.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1233" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-55HCyh5Yajg/XDaPi2J_CnI/AAAAAAAANw8/BdyWQwFX7EMwPBnQ6meWBQySd8QRPcszQCLcBGAs/s640/093A3801.jpg" width="491" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ttXVOxm_lBA/XDaPigBBaAI/AAAAAAAANw0/GZL3LgdhEiMRPRfUEWlczn0S2d3tPNiBQCLcBGAs/s1600/093A3805.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="753" data-original-width="878" height="342" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ttXVOxm_lBA/XDaPigBBaAI/AAAAAAAANw0/GZL3LgdhEiMRPRfUEWlczn0S2d3tPNiBQCLcBGAs/s400/093A3805.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I walked past the owl nest box and saw this eagle flying by......</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-a50jWNFF6XQ/XDaPihPYrxI/AAAAAAAANw4/VK312TlrPq8X9tzQUHPm3dmi_LCmXvu1gCLcBGAs/s1600/093A3808.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="838" data-original-width="1135" height="472" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-a50jWNFF6XQ/XDaPihPYrxI/AAAAAAAANw4/VK312TlrPq8X9tzQUHPm3dmi_LCmXvu1gCLcBGAs/s640/093A3808.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This is the sweet view of the rockies!</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-D6XSawbhAig/XDaPktcVvSI/AAAAAAAANxQ/S56FqcsZ8iIh_O6iecPUnGN0o6vC9JAPQCLcBGAs/s1600/093A3833.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="602" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-D6XSawbhAig/XDaPktcVvSI/AAAAAAAANxQ/S56FqcsZ8iIh_O6iecPUnGN0o6vC9JAPQCLcBGAs/s640/093A3833.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I saw a few blue jays before getting this pic. This one was imitating the call of </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">a red tail hawk! I kept looking to see where the hawk was before realizing this guy was doing it!!! Hilarious!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ro2NN6Cdmp4/XDaPj8pATcI/AAAAAAAANxE/Uy1BqyRO8vMC3mCpf3Itb5C3qqQWlQw6gCLcBGAs/s1600/093A3849.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1076" data-original-width="707" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ro2NN6Cdmp4/XDaPj8pATcI/AAAAAAAANxE/Uy1BqyRO8vMC3mCpf3Itb5C3qqQWlQw6gCLcBGAs/s640/093A3849.jpg" width="419" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Who doesn't think chickadees are the cutest!</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tHiF0pn4Gzo/XDaPkQK8zKI/AAAAAAAANxI/IwYfsGEDnuMImFrrufIFhXQPrI1XZuxwwCLcBGAs/s1600/093A3856.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1542" data-original-width="1203" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tHiF0pn4Gzo/XDaPkQK8zKI/AAAAAAAANxI/IwYfsGEDnuMImFrrufIFhXQPrI1XZuxwwCLcBGAs/s640/093A3856.jpg" width="498" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I headed towards the gazebo and spotted this eagle along the way.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BMFqEsAzXGI/XDaPkv-xBbI/AAAAAAAANxM/flPie8y5JTE6AGE2fu9Up8ztpSLmV_qHQCLcBGAs/s1600/093A3878.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1209" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BMFqEsAzXGI/XDaPkv-xBbI/AAAAAAAANxM/flPie8y5JTE6AGE2fu9Up8ztpSLmV_qHQCLcBGAs/s640/093A3878.jpg" width="482" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">From the gazebo you can see the eagle nest that has been occupied for many, many years!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nxCy6U3ajtg/XDaPmnlnLzI/AAAAAAAANxg/6Ri4zPoJpBohvSdyOHsJ8R9xkWI_xl4zgCLcBGAs/s1600/093A3883.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1196" data-original-width="1600" height="478" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nxCy6U3ajtg/XDaPmnlnLzI/AAAAAAAANxg/6Ri4zPoJpBohvSdyOHsJ8R9xkWI_xl4zgCLcBGAs/s640/093A3883.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">These eagles were in the tree along the boardwalk to the gazebo....</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XETOSF4Lw6s/XDaPmEoa0PI/AAAAAAAANxY/u4m-3yttm4EGoj7nxMw74ccwmn7e5XEFQCLcBGAs/s1600/093A3888.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1293" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XETOSF4Lw6s/XDaPmEoa0PI/AAAAAAAANxY/u4m-3yttm4EGoj7nxMw74ccwmn7e5XEFQCLcBGAs/s640/093A3888.jpg" width="516" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SFxa1u2jzvM/XDaPmQwLEfI/AAAAAAAANxc/NhnlH7fQhuwZIk1mHpI_yls8UPl9EUCYQCLcBGAs/s1600/093A3896.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="909" data-original-width="1372" height="424" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SFxa1u2jzvM/XDaPmQwLEfI/AAAAAAAANxc/NhnlH7fQhuwZIk1mHpI_yls8UPl9EUCYQCLcBGAs/s640/093A3896.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I hung out at the gazebo for quite awhile enjoying the show!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Canada geese were everywhere...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JxxGOjdmo9o/XDaPmzqZUDI/AAAAAAAANxk/58TrZS416e8cyd9YHFekgR4sL1BYzTC4gCLcBGAs/s1600/093A3946.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="896" data-original-width="1600" height="358" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JxxGOjdmo9o/XDaPmzqZUDI/AAAAAAAANxk/58TrZS416e8cyd9YHFekgR4sL1BYzTC4gCLcBGAs/s640/093A3946.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There were dozens of common mergansers......</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sdfyenVFWrY/XDaPnJgxTYI/AAAAAAAANxo/HqgYHmjytNcCLxms2qzVYNbUAiR2xGexgCLcBGAs/s1600/093A3955.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="463" data-original-width="1600" height="184" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sdfyenVFWrY/XDaPnJgxTYI/AAAAAAAANxo/HqgYHmjytNcCLxms2qzVYNbUAiR2xGexgCLcBGAs/s640/093A3955.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And even a few pelicans......</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kB6OZPkM1tk/XDaPnt6H3_I/AAAAAAAANxw/gWcw4zjFAG8zDp7Q5qI9w7u0-QWzyrElwCLcBGAs/s1600/093A3963.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="818" data-original-width="1600" height="326" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kB6OZPkM1tk/XDaPnt6H3_I/AAAAAAAANxw/gWcw4zjFAG8zDp7Q5qI9w7u0-QWzyrElwCLcBGAs/s640/093A3963.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ring-necked ducks flew by....</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JtBWYsb2Plg/XDaPntxSaxI/AAAAAAAANxs/KrblzjbFjPQfZRvN-t-vrih58fG0ItrIgCLcBGAs/s1600/093A4038.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="772" data-original-width="910" height="338" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JtBWYsb2Plg/XDaPntxSaxI/AAAAAAAANxs/KrblzjbFjPQfZRvN-t-vrih58fG0ItrIgCLcBGAs/s400/093A4038.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Mallards.....</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-txP5_t0EJQM/XDaPnqK00vI/AAAAAAAANx0/O5ZjB8dJPlwkHz0Nsx3ivajr538N9kJogCLcBGAs/s1600/093A4044.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="498" data-original-width="906" height="350" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-txP5_t0EJQM/XDaPnqK00vI/AAAAAAAANx0/O5ZjB8dJPlwkHz0Nsx3ivajr538N9kJogCLcBGAs/s640/093A4044.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And northern pintails......</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-U5q-ChB4dP0/XDaPoLEUhvI/AAAAAAAANx4/707Kyb599-U8VsB2ZP4bT0PSslIgAreCwCLcBGAs/s1600/093A4051-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="505" data-original-width="874" height="368" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-U5q-ChB4dP0/XDaPoLEUhvI/AAAAAAAANx4/707Kyb599-U8VsB2ZP4bT0PSslIgAreCwCLcBGAs/s640/093A4051-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> There were at least a dozen more eagles sitting out on the ice but they were too far away for a decent pic. So I headed back and found this cute squirrel......</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/--zIbrcPMBQM/XDaPpmgVYUI/AAAAAAAANyI/R-sVsVB9PQE6cX_Y2fUGXb5SRCO4mNICwCLcBGAs/s1600/093A4087.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1157" data-original-width="1600" height="462" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/--zIbrcPMBQM/XDaPpmgVYUI/AAAAAAAANyI/R-sVsVB9PQE6cX_Y2fUGXb5SRCO4mNICwCLcBGAs/s640/093A4087.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Barr Lake has a beautiful nature center and quite a few bird feeders. So I went to check out who was there.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This kestrel was enjoying the sunny day!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lSBOVC-b_Z4/XDaPo2VFsTI/AAAAAAAANyA/10RG5-ny9kYCyBn4hybvfV0jUL37NCnkwCLcBGAs/s1600/093A4100.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="857" data-original-width="523" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lSBOVC-b_Z4/XDaPo2VFsTI/AAAAAAAANyA/10RG5-ny9kYCyBn4hybvfV0jUL37NCnkwCLcBGAs/s640/093A4100.jpg" width="390" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And the juncos were having breakfast...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jyZecoljo-A/XDaPpOyfgwI/AAAAAAAANyE/q4TpugRpp0kWiHFjFwF8kLEqOfo3uCu_wCLcBGAs/s1600/093A4103.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1212" data-original-width="1288" height="602" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jyZecoljo-A/XDaPpOyfgwI/AAAAAAAANyE/q4TpugRpp0kWiHFjFwF8kLEqOfo3uCu_wCLcBGAs/s640/093A4103.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EADxTP6tbj0/XDaPqJGIM4I/AAAAAAAANy8/PfsOr6q77AoGf4Q7EQ8sZXhSWpDd5dUzACEwYBhgL/s1600/093A4124.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1074" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EADxTP6tbj0/XDaPqJGIM4I/AAAAAAAANy8/PfsOr6q77AoGf4Q7EQ8sZXhSWpDd5dUzACEwYBhgL/s640/093A4124.jpg" width="428" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The squirrel was enjoying breakfast too....</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0ilmrgWUwQM/XDaPp81FHSI/AAAAAAAANyM/MSVHxCSq0LErAR2wCpEaCYkTMNavELR1wCLcBGAs/s1600/093A4113.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1549" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0ilmrgWUwQM/XDaPp81FHSI/AAAAAAAANyM/MSVHxCSq0LErAR2wCpEaCYkTMNavELR1wCLcBGAs/s640/093A4113.jpg" width="618" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> I had spent about 3 hours at Barr Lake, so it was time to head home.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I was on 63rd St just before Nelson road and spotted this red tail. So I pulled a quick </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">U turn and was able to get some nice pics!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AkT-kUj0YHQ/XDaPqZ1c2qI/AAAAAAAANyU/WeLyECvyH1Q1GbAoAKSZVheNuq0_RV4FwCLcBGAs/s1600/093A4141.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1120" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AkT-kUj0YHQ/XDaPqZ1c2qI/AAAAAAAANyU/WeLyECvyH1Q1GbAoAKSZVheNuq0_RV4FwCLcBGAs/s640/093A4141.jpg" width="448" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tN696JvdIkg/XDaPqTx326I/AAAAAAAANyY/PAP18d1BP4Qqt83OsT2cR5eHtk3ia5ZrwCLcBGAs/s1600/093A4144.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="788" height="518" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tN696JvdIkg/XDaPqTx326I/AAAAAAAANyY/PAP18d1BP4Qqt83OsT2cR5eHtk3ia5ZrwCLcBGAs/s640/093A4144.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yd1sIxUuwJA/XDaPrArYmqI/AAAAAAAANyc/3vpwiLKtPu40PVGuhkRJCd7tqOB2-R9lwCLcBGAs/s1600/093A4147.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1412" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yd1sIxUuwJA/XDaPrArYmqI/AAAAAAAANyc/3vpwiLKtPu40PVGuhkRJCd7tqOB2-R9lwCLcBGAs/s640/093A4147.jpg" width="564" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-w1euOQZkeXA/XDaPrs_xSNI/AAAAAAAANyk/4-IbCLVITywCC-VpY98Hsjo2P5YU8vOHgCLcBGAs/s1600/093A4148.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="834" data-original-width="1191" height="448" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-w1euOQZkeXA/XDaPrs_xSNI/AAAAAAAANyk/4-IbCLVITywCC-VpY98Hsjo2P5YU8vOHgCLcBGAs/s640/093A4148.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9Ce0lR5P9oY/XDaPrfGxhxI/AAAAAAAANyg/Zv5sEt6x_EYVfDnN-yEdoN3QEBnOTctGACLcBGAs/s1600/093A4149.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1254" data-original-width="1600" height="500" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9Ce0lR5P9oY/XDaPrfGxhxI/AAAAAAAANyg/Zv5sEt6x_EYVfDnN-yEdoN3QEBnOTctGACLcBGAs/s640/093A4149.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Well, it was a very fun morning! Enjoying Nature on a beautiful day in Colorado is priceless!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Thanks for reading! And feel free to share with friends!</span>Alexa Boyeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16747241225405199044noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1856431204466871897.post-88235714921050400472018-06-20T13:49:00.001-07:002018-06-20T13:58:32.336-07:00Third Time is the Charm!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; text-align: left;">Somehow I scored four days off in a row. Sweet! So the plan was to go for a hike with Hazel and take my camera along. Monday morning turned out to a be a rainy day, so we did a quick hike at coot lake without the camera and headed home to enjoy the rainy day from my couch. It looked like Tuesday would be a good day to hike and photograph but when I got up it was cloudy and rainy again. I definitely was not complaining as we always welcome moisture around here. </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; text-align: left;">But it wasn't ideal for photographing so we did a quick hike again </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; text-align: left;">and</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; text-align: left;">headed home....... </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; text-align: left;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Now it's Wednesday and just spectacular! The rain had cleaned the air a bit from all the wildfires. So Hazel dog and I headed over to the eagle trail for a fun hike and some wildlife photographing too.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">There's an osprey nest on 55th St a bit off the road. Lucky for me, one of them was sitting on a telephone pole!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jydYcyft5Wo/Wyqxix740eI/AAAAAAAANuw/9a1qgDuiLFQ3mil55WemEuAg20eL3_LWACLcBGAs/s1600/093A3554.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1325" data-original-width="1600" height="528" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jydYcyft5Wo/Wyqxix740eI/AAAAAAAANuw/9a1qgDuiLFQ3mil55WemEuAg20eL3_LWACLcBGAs/s640/093A3554.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yWepX0w4IIE/WyqxiLoZPLI/AAAAAAAANuo/4DkF3Cbht1Q39gTxqCPB7xpFXDuuCXalwCLcBGAs/s1600/093A3561.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1208" data-original-width="865" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yWepX0w4IIE/WyqxiLoZPLI/AAAAAAAANuo/4DkF3Cbht1Q39gTxqCPB7xpFXDuuCXalwCLcBGAs/s640/093A3561.jpg" width="458" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The nest is not in a good place for pics as you can see. So that's why I was happy to see one of them close by and ready to pose for pics.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tI1R2vpknp0/Wyqxi6a9NPI/AAAAAAAANu0/g0HsghIa-4MZ52zIr4vKswfXobV6jK-ygCLcBGAs/s1600/093A3564.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1600" height="308" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tI1R2vpknp0/Wyqxi6a9NPI/AAAAAAAANu0/g0HsghIa-4MZ52zIr4vKswfXobV6jK-ygCLcBGAs/s400/093A3564.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KluqYGg1zF0/Wyqxi3_JBMI/AAAAAAAANus/aYqDrHu2k7kH7bB-79LYftcqZ4qx8lTiQCLcBGAs/s1600/093A3570.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1328" data-original-width="1537" height="552" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KluqYGg1zF0/Wyqxi3_JBMI/AAAAAAAANus/aYqDrHu2k7kH7bB-79LYftcqZ4qx8lTiQCLcBGAs/s640/093A3570.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">After enjoying the osprey, we hit the trail for a fun hike!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9XEkELTEEvQ/WyqxpBu_f9I/AAAAAAAANwE/td1HBkFAikokJ2cjFR-_SSflhlF-QNLcgCEwYBhgL/s1600/093A3669.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9XEkELTEEvQ/WyqxpBu_f9I/AAAAAAAANwE/td1HBkFAikokJ2cjFR-_SSflhlF-QNLcgCEwYBhgL/s640/093A3669.jpg" width="614" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It was definitely a spectacular morning!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yDxNUrHL25s/WyqxofzM_uI/AAAAAAAANwA/snvHwLGbJvYl-8y-02LrAFEHmWF2HJtNgCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_3401.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="890" data-original-width="1600" height="356" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yDxNUrHL25s/WyqxofzM_uI/AAAAAAAANwA/snvHwLGbJvYl-8y-02LrAFEHmWF2HJtNgCEwYBhgL/s640/IMG_3401.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xn09Y0UWQrY/WyqxpP2wgYI/AAAAAAAANwI/X4lQkQ68_tUoxJ8xlVfo44raw2ut-bXzgCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_3399.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1012" data-original-width="1600" height="404" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xn09Y0UWQrY/WyqxpP2wgYI/AAAAAAAANwI/X4lQkQ68_tUoxJ8xlVfo44raw2ut-bXzgCEwYBhgL/s640/IMG_3399.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The meadowlarks were singing up a storm!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Gl20OeeFhIE/Wyqxjyw6zNI/AAAAAAAANu4/knvc4uERGvIutPpUNMrbHXZqqUngwCGYgCLcBGAs/s1600/093A3574.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1061" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Gl20OeeFhIE/Wyqxjyw6zNI/AAAAAAAANu4/knvc4uERGvIutPpUNMrbHXZqqUngwCGYgCLcBGAs/s640/093A3574.jpg" width="424" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We were heading towards the horse ranch when I spotted a bird crossing the trail. Hmmmm I wasn't sure what kind of bird it was but I've learned over the years to shoot pics and ask questions later. OMG! It was a virginia rail !!!!!! This is a very secretive bird that calls freshwater marshes home. I couldn't believe my luck as this was my first sighting ever! The rail disappeared as quickly as it appeared...wow!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4f3BJ6pCbpM/WyqxkEmTo-I/AAAAAAAANu8/uR6AqYkoEEYt9b-pYqVnB92G0jubG1HhQCLcBGAs/s1600/093A3589.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1046" data-original-width="1412" height="474" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4f3BJ6pCbpM/WyqxkEmTo-I/AAAAAAAANu8/uR6AqYkoEEYt9b-pYqVnB92G0jubG1HhQCLcBGAs/s640/093A3589.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">There are quite a few prairie dogs on this trail. Lucky for me, Hazel does not chase wildlife! She doesn't chase prairie dogs, rabbits or deer. So she makes the perfect photographing companion! Yup, she is the perfect dog!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tnsVNEl3ARg/WyqxkUa9R9I/AAAAAAAANvA/gEOFbpM2SxYay4hnEGfEPnbCrn-6mMxuwCLcBGAs/s1600/093A3595.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1567" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tnsVNEl3ARg/WyqxkUa9R9I/AAAAAAAANvA/gEOFbpM2SxYay4hnEGfEPnbCrn-6mMxuwCLcBGAs/s640/093A3595.jpg" width="626" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-izF2rB8Qxk8/WyqxlysaXDI/AAAAAAAANwE/T8hPm9pD1M4PzmmzRjMybvhLcmQG6sIJACEwYBhgL/s1600/093A3662.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="824" data-original-width="1045" height="504" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-izF2rB8Qxk8/WyqxlysaXDI/AAAAAAAANwE/T8hPm9pD1M4PzmmzRjMybvhLcmQG6sIJACEwYBhgL/s640/093A3662.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We had just hiked through the west end trailhead when I spotted a small bird. Score! A blue grosbeak! I got a few pics of this beautiful bird years ago but they were not the best quality. Today that all changed! Best pics I've ever gotten of this colorful bird!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5TvchsNsMXg/Wyqxkkln3VI/AAAAAAAANvE/D91nba4G2h4pofMpqTea-OkOBlqfiFQTwCLcBGAs/s1600/093A3609.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1459" data-original-width="1095" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5TvchsNsMXg/Wyqxkkln3VI/AAAAAAAANvE/D91nba4G2h4pofMpqTea-OkOBlqfiFQTwCLcBGAs/s640/093A3609.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vA98tss6DF4/WyqxlAfpOeI/AAAAAAAANvM/lk4Wf1JvGigLkPGbQ8ax67D7FXnDwVJZwCLcBGAs/s1600/093A3624.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1569" data-original-width="1279" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vA98tss6DF4/WyqxlAfpOeI/AAAAAAAANvM/lk4Wf1JvGigLkPGbQ8ax67D7FXnDwVJZwCLcBGAs/s640/093A3624.jpg" width="520" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2BRcpvPJAz0/WyqxlMmQEyI/AAAAAAAANvI/xP7DbFBUjwI4OBT7Q9s0krKeIkf_mQFNgCLcBGAs/s1600/093A3627.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="550" data-original-width="659" height="534" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2BRcpvPJAz0/WyqxlMmQEyI/AAAAAAAANvI/xP7DbFBUjwI4OBT7Q9s0krKeIkf_mQFNgCLcBGAs/s640/093A3627.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vJmG3DJZkhA/WyqxqL80H-I/AAAAAAAANwM/4ZJL4_R4eVU4bGnIui6BbkVWJ42YK9OSgCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_3402.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1097" data-original-width="1600" height="438" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vJmG3DJZkhA/WyqxqL80H-I/AAAAAAAANwM/4ZJL4_R4eVU4bGnIui6BbkVWJ42YK9OSgCEwYBhgL/s640/IMG_3402.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> The western kingbirds were singing all along the trail. Finally one posed for me!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qAMmmQTcKPs/WyqxlTc0RpI/AAAAAAAANvQ/4z4x_skVNIINWtIXGpPUqBAHcCNOhNd3QCLcBGAs/s1600/093A3646.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1252" data-original-width="1046" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qAMmmQTcKPs/WyqxlTc0RpI/AAAAAAAANvQ/4z4x_skVNIINWtIXGpPUqBAHcCNOhNd3QCLcBGAs/s640/093A3646.jpg" width="534" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wQdefIgBETU/WyqxlpVGtEI/AAAAAAAANvU/THRhS2ZSNTMF1GMLMHZV0Ubrs9jh7EtXwCLcBGAs/s1600/093A3657.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="925" data-original-width="751" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wQdefIgBETU/WyqxlpVGtEI/AAAAAAAANvU/THRhS2ZSNTMF1GMLMHZV0Ubrs9jh7EtXwCLcBGAs/s640/093A3657.jpg" width="518" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> We made it to the small pond so Hazel could getting some swimming time!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-51FRP5d27dY/WyqxmIlm8-I/AAAAAAAANvc/fx2pQvcuCSs9QpTikaA18K8zSdhRB29LACLcBGAs/s1600/093A3666.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1406" data-original-width="1503" height="373" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-51FRP5d27dY/WyqxmIlm8-I/AAAAAAAANvc/fx2pQvcuCSs9QpTikaA18K8zSdhRB29LACLcBGAs/s400/093A3666.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This is the view from the swimming pond! </span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oaWvfVYVrvA/WyqxnZoYtZI/AAAAAAAANvg/bb3Un2u1QuEcNqH0n1es4-Wv0k9-l9FUQCLcBGAs/s1600/093A3667.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1044" data-original-width="1600" height="416" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oaWvfVYVrvA/WyqxnZoYtZI/AAAAAAAANvg/bb3Un2u1QuEcNqH0n1es4-Wv0k9-l9FUQCLcBGAs/s640/093A3667.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">After Hazel got some swimming time, we hiked back up towards the trailhead. This is the spectacular view from the top of the ridge! wow!</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ai5nkzuwEK0/Wyqxqn4MQjI/AAAAAAAANv0/TkyCB9ZayfU3-QTnUOZaYz1G9ZCvCybzQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_3408.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="744" data-original-width="1600" height="296" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ai5nkzuwEK0/Wyqxqn4MQjI/AAAAAAAANv0/TkyCB9ZayfU3-QTnUOZaYz1G9ZCvCybzQCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_3408.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Well, what a fantastic morning hike we had today! It was worth waiting for!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Thanks for reading!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>Alexa Boyeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16747241225405199044noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1856431204466871897.post-90075735825458510962018-05-21T13:25:00.000-07:002018-05-21T13:25:37.496-07:00Hiking With Hazel<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: left;">The original plan was to go for a hike with my sweet Hazel dog and do some photographing on Sunday. Saturday was a rainy day and according to the weather folks, it was gonna clear for Sunday. Nope! Woke up to a cloudy and rainy Sunday. So we went with plan B and just did a fun hike at Coot lake in the rain without the camera. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Monday was looking promising for our hike/ photographing wildlife, so that was the new plan. I woke up to a spectacular day, so got the kitties fed, packed up the camera and we headed out for a fun morning!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I thought the boulder valley ranch loop might be fun. Hazel could be off leash and there was a good chance of seeing some wildlife, especially birds.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Oh yeah, We barely started our hike and the western kingbirds welcomed us with their song!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wGFxHBTGZ1Y/WwMeqLa_85I/AAAAAAAANsQ/wVyqO8ic5W45cHRuqlXYMnQQRRZI9hJRQCLcBGAs/s1600/093A3268.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="830" data-original-width="998" height="532" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wGFxHBTGZ1Y/WwMeqLa_85I/AAAAAAAANsQ/wVyqO8ic5W45cHRuqlXYMnQQRRZI9hJRQCLcBGAs/s640/093A3268.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Nnl-0D1Ov1Y/WwMeqBV5IeI/AAAAAAAANsU/tHhLXci85h4Kx51iayCC_3kyeYs6K9vvACLcBGAs/s1600/093A3301.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1186" data-original-width="998" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Nnl-0D1Ov1Y/WwMeqBV5IeI/AAAAAAAANsU/tHhLXci85h4Kx51iayCC_3kyeYs6K9vvACLcBGAs/s640/093A3301.jpg" width="538" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Then the bullock's oriole appeared! These guys are so beautiful! They arrive in early May, build their nests, have their young and head south in August. So I always enjoy seeing these amazing birds!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s115BzmiUp0/WwMeuxy-tEI/AAAAAAAANuM/47PzPoTqsGIICAxdzQTFurPLeYzMrsTvwCEwYBhgL/s1600/093A3289.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="630" data-original-width="855" height="470" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s115BzmiUp0/WwMeuxy-tEI/AAAAAAAANuM/47PzPoTqsGIICAxdzQTFurPLeYzMrsTvwCEwYBhgL/s640/093A3289.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The bunnies were everywhere! Most dogs would chase them but not Hazel. She really is the perfect hiking partner. She doesn't chase prairie dogs, bunnies or even deer. The only thing she chases is her tennis ball. Thank Dog for that because you can get a fine of up to 1000$ if a ranger sees your dog chasing wildlife. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-d-VM2opMAHk/WwMerEl1v9I/AAAAAAAANsc/-eIpiZGUovMPCUgdqmxL2lOcGZMVn4HagCLcBGAs/s1600/093A3310.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="878" data-original-width="1336" height="420" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-d-VM2opMAHk/WwMerEl1v9I/AAAAAAAANsc/-eIpiZGUovMPCUgdqmxL2lOcGZMVn4HagCLcBGAs/s640/093A3310.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The wildflowers are blooming everywhere!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Q4-TOtgi32Q/WwMerZnN0KI/AAAAAAAANsg/JmfmntXgjFAHJ74RuNVfDgDTHfKlVoIMACLcBGAs/s1600/093A3315.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="1600" height="544" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Q4-TOtgi32Q/WwMerZnN0KI/AAAAAAAANsg/JmfmntXgjFAHJ74RuNVfDgDTHfKlVoIMACLcBGAs/s640/093A3315.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CkoElwR_dRY/WwMerlEmHeI/AAAAAAAANsk/eYW_oxGaZdsRIL5VnHpkcnkC54GHhHTNACLcBGAs/s1600/093A3325.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="726" data-original-width="958" height="484" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CkoElwR_dRY/WwMerlEmHeI/AAAAAAAANsk/eYW_oxGaZdsRIL5VnHpkcnkC54GHhHTNACLcBGAs/s640/093A3325.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-D61hWnPnK7c/WwMesC2OHZI/AAAAAAAANso/4VaMyAXEa5QNjOLi5eXzMK-rbroRSovvgCLcBGAs/s1600/093A3329.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="836" data-original-width="1002" height="532" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-D61hWnPnK7c/WwMesC2OHZI/AAAAAAAANso/4VaMyAXEa5QNjOLi5eXzMK-rbroRSovvgCLcBGAs/s640/093A3329.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7GqbUClfuHo/WwMetmuV59I/AAAAAAAANuQ/ODotsG8LhFAtIzH9gusNUi3flJb6v1npgCEwYBhgL/s1600/093A3345.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1518" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7GqbUClfuHo/WwMetmuV59I/AAAAAAAANuQ/ODotsG8LhFAtIzH9gusNUi3flJb6v1npgCEwYBhgL/s640/093A3345.jpg" width="606" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kuKTLgh-TPs/WwMeteKQ7KI/AAAAAAAANuQ/fxQV0tsUG-YgMg6jGnMCLYBnhlQv96Y6gCEwYBhgL/s1600/093A3346.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1035" data-original-width="1243" height="532" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kuKTLgh-TPs/WwMeteKQ7KI/AAAAAAAANuQ/fxQV0tsUG-YgMg6jGnMCLYBnhlQv96Y6gCEwYBhgL/s640/093A3346.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I could hear the yellow headed blackbirds calling down at this small lake. But it's a protected area, so we continued on........</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oxrWKL2d9Ik/WwMe1eWdtzI/AAAAAAAANt4/7i-kkMdRX8g7BRBpGGblON5MHVaVruEOQCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_3218.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1089" data-original-width="1600" height="434" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oxrWKL2d9Ik/WwMe1eWdtzI/AAAAAAAANt4/7i-kkMdRX8g7BRBpGGblON5MHVaVruEOQCEwYBhgL/s640/IMG_3218.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-732UivVKsac/WwMe2koAA0I/AAAAAAAANuA/6EgEtA4-rW0WocNIY0DrFFHuNXC_G1GvACEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_3219.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-732UivVKsac/WwMe2koAA0I/AAAAAAAANuA/6EgEtA4-rW0WocNIY0DrFFHuNXC_G1GvACEwYBhgL/s640/IMG_3219.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JBqzeU1ak0Q/WwMe2f82T9I/AAAAAAAANt8/kXqlv5Mf1MYxhYd9dJxqWY89FDICd_8hgCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_3220.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="874" data-original-width="1600" height="348" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JBqzeU1ak0Q/WwMe2f82T9I/AAAAAAAANt8/kXqlv5Mf1MYxhYd9dJxqWY89FDICd_8hgCEwYBhgL/s640/IMG_3220.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7YWNjBfSNso/WwMesh5fMsI/AAAAAAAANsw/d8jq0xYQe1keCnoyAXAi6VrdCh1rZIa0gCLcBGAs/s1600/093A3335.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1018" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7YWNjBfSNso/WwMesh5fMsI/AAAAAAAANsw/d8jq0xYQe1keCnoyAXAi6VrdCh1rZIa0gCLcBGAs/s640/093A3335.jpg" width="406" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A couple of these sparrows were enjoying the beautiful morning! I'm gonna guess they are chipping sparrows but it's only a guess.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gWzvJ4Ud-EE/WwMeskvqJ9I/AAAAAAAANss/TfuVSFSQmRYBd4NCIEg3JaeBPnOLE0Z6gCLcBGAs/s1600/093A3341.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="775" data-original-width="979" height="506" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gWzvJ4Ud-EE/WwMeskvqJ9I/AAAAAAAANss/TfuVSFSQmRYBd4NCIEg3JaeBPnOLE0Z6gCLcBGAs/s640/093A3341.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We were just getting ready to hike down the steep hill when this meadowlark started singing his heart out! It is the most beautiful sound!</span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d_tAlqZx84M/WwMeuAKGCKI/AAAAAAAANs8/IPdenXz_ghM5TycROlzJ70l351UAWHHgQCLcBGAs/s1600/093A3366.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1147" data-original-width="1060" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d_tAlqZx84M/WwMeuAKGCKI/AAAAAAAANs8/IPdenXz_ghM5TycROlzJ70l351UAWHHgQCLcBGAs/s640/093A3366.jpg" width="590" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We finally made it to the small pond where Hazel could cool off and get her swim on!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-b1xQPZY6ac0/WwMeu-iV5JI/AAAAAAAANtA/Dstn2sW1xVUpY-lZY_pNRbeC7HtxGpShQCLcBGAs/s1600/093A3385.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="920" data-original-width="1600" height="368" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-b1xQPZY6ac0/WwMeu-iV5JI/AAAAAAAANtA/Dstn2sW1xVUpY-lZY_pNRbeC7HtxGpShQCLcBGAs/s640/093A3385.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We were leaving the pond when this female red-winged blackbird posed so nicely!</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/--pHztpWVS1s/WwMevLHVTsI/AAAAAAAANtI/vvQscmn_82knu3bukljKdRF-siyRrPg6gCLcBGAs/s1600/093A3392.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1503" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/--pHztpWVS1s/WwMevLHVTsI/AAAAAAAANtI/vvQscmn_82knu3bukljKdRF-siyRrPg6gCLcBGAs/s640/093A3392.jpg" width="600" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LRtbeuJFZdg/WwMevd7qhmI/AAAAAAAANtM/GyYMg06Mr70gMVJhu3OKfUmB5dfY7h_AgCLcBGAs/s1600/093A3395.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="790" data-original-width="881" height="572" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LRtbeuJFZdg/WwMevd7qhmI/AAAAAAAANtM/GyYMg06Mr70gMVJhu3OKfUmB5dfY7h_AgCLcBGAs/s640/093A3395.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This whole area is quite populated with prairie dogs but just north of the pond is a great area to get pics of them.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Whenever I stopped to get pics, Hazel would just sit next to me and patiently wait for me. Yup, she is the perfect hiking dog!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4_Itp2K7HNk/WwMe346KTgI/AAAAAAAANuE/ffkjkXvzX4g79YMc4a9_AkJ737l2Q_WMgCLcBGAs/s1600/093A3420.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1600" height="494" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4_Itp2K7HNk/WwMe346KTgI/AAAAAAAANuE/ffkjkXvzX4g79YMc4a9_AkJ737l2Q_WMgCLcBGAs/s640/093A3420.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HWdaI8VF1fc/WwMewmO6hlI/AAAAAAAANtQ/hjXcNriytNQDpxRIj-PuNBAg01MwFlG3gCLcBGAs/s1600/093A3427.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="879" data-original-width="1600" height="350" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HWdaI8VF1fc/WwMewmO6hlI/AAAAAAAANtQ/hjXcNriytNQDpxRIj-PuNBAg01MwFlG3gCLcBGAs/s640/093A3427.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We got to the northside of the main trail and saw this sign. Then I realized they had these signs about every 100 feet along the trail. Really? Seems a waste of money to me. There are signs at the trailheads reminding people about dogs chasing wildlife. And even with all these signs, I guarantee people still allow their dogs to chase the P dogs.....</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tJzRKx-yaAU/WwMexH3UZ-I/AAAAAAAANtU/v8hlzDgaPWgcWCr9c-yAobFs-tY0PToSQCLcBGAs/s1600/093A3439.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="804" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tJzRKx-yaAU/WwMexH3UZ-I/AAAAAAAANtU/v8hlzDgaPWgcWCr9c-yAobFs-tY0PToSQCLcBGAs/s640/093A3439.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I spotted this meadowlark but he wasn't singing. He had a mouthful of yummy breakfast to enjoy!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Q6x7f9Kv_Wk/WwMexGAfvNI/AAAAAAAANtY/nzPWmV3iF48TrDygdP4hxt4HqNXX0nb-wCLcBGAs/s1600/093A3449.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1390" data-original-width="1175" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Q6x7f9Kv_Wk/WwMexGAfvNI/AAAAAAAANtY/nzPWmV3iF48TrDygdP4hxt4HqNXX0nb-wCLcBGAs/s640/093A3449.jpg" width="540" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MKtii-mlzBc/WwMexU1yKOI/AAAAAAAANtc/AP3fMlmILgov8RqnYWt4U_Y0PqSKjFfUgCLcBGAs/s1600/093A3452.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="521" data-original-width="616" height="337" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MKtii-mlzBc/WwMexU1yKOI/AAAAAAAANtc/AP3fMlmILgov8RqnYWt4U_Y0PqSKjFfUgCLcBGAs/s400/093A3452.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-snCOA-bUZzA/WwMex52PonI/AAAAAAAANtg/2cqumo0pcuYfMfUosjeKBBFfBBJ81QyEwCLcBGAs/s1600/093A3463.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1230" data-original-width="1279" height="614" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-snCOA-bUZzA/WwMex52PonI/AAAAAAAANtg/2cqumo0pcuYfMfUosjeKBBFfBBJ81QyEwCLcBGAs/s640/093A3463.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We were almost back to the trailhead when we passed this cute family of prairie dog pups</span>.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wLs8LLH4irI/WwMeyfErvNI/AAAAAAAANtk/CfQJ0HtUSRYhAq_3zvLCad0dPC9scA0fACLcBGAs/s1600/093A3473.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="984" data-original-width="1600" height="392" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wLs8LLH4irI/WwMeyfErvNI/AAAAAAAANtk/CfQJ0HtUSRYhAq_3zvLCad0dPC9scA0fACLcBGAs/s640/093A3473.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Back at the trailhead, I decided to walk part of the trail we missed. Sweet! Mr. bullock's oriole appeared and posed so nicely for me!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-V82agRk0F6U/WwMezFYKe1I/AAAAAAAANts/5PVRSBT9HlIzD4CNjPOh7GHxTPcMnsx4ACLcBGAs/s1600/093A3487.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1276" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-V82agRk0F6U/WwMezFYKe1I/AAAAAAAANts/5PVRSBT9HlIzD4CNjPOh7GHxTPcMnsx4ACLcBGAs/s640/093A3487.jpg" width="510" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Tt4vBvEpwCY/WwMezN93_LI/AAAAAAAANto/UF-BWeeQ56QXvPVZMjFS3TedZc5D4nx5wCLcBGAs/s1600/093A3494.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1197" data-original-width="1600" height="478" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Tt4vBvEpwCY/WwMezN93_LI/AAAAAAAANto/UF-BWeeQ56QXvPVZMjFS3TedZc5D4nx5wCLcBGAs/s640/093A3494.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YMtR5yXuEj0/WwMezssXdFI/AAAAAAAANtw/xoGSHY8jDL8nZmR7eNQ3gR8vW3SD0G8ZgCLcBGAs/s1600/093A3516.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="761" data-original-width="680" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YMtR5yXuEj0/WwMezssXdFI/AAAAAAAANtw/xoGSHY8jDL8nZmR7eNQ3gR8vW3SD0G8ZgCLcBGAs/s400/093A3516.jpg" width="356" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Well, what a fun morning Hazel and I had! Monday might be my new favorite day to go out photographing with my dog! The trails were very quiet and it was a great way to start the week!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Thanks for reading!</span>Alexa Boyeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16747241225405199044noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1856431204466871897.post-25193679727277850582018-04-29T16:20:00.004-07:002018-04-29T16:20:43.480-07:00A Fun Birthday Weekend<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Well, the stars all aligned and I ended up with 3 days to celebrate my birthday! So on Friday, I got up a bit earlier to take Hazel for a hike. Before the hike, we headed over to check on my owl friends. I knew one of the owlets was ready to leave the nest and I love to get first morning pics after they have left the nest. So I hustled down the path to see what was going on. I could only see one owlet in the nest but it took awhile to spot the one who had left...</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-i_ekGIYn9GY/WuZGidUkghI/AAAAAAAANpI/h2TK0PVC7os7wtw5WZFaXLoWKXRXvNmhwCEwYBhgL/s1600/093A2615.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1474" data-original-width="1560" height="604" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-i_ekGIYn9GY/WuZGidUkghI/AAAAAAAANpI/h2TK0PVC7os7wtw5WZFaXLoWKXRXvNmhwCEwYBhgL/s640/093A2615.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Finally, after searching the surrounding trees, I spotted owlet #1. I could see I had a better shot at a good pic if I got over to the back path. so I made my way over and was rewarded with this shot! A great way to start my birthday weekend!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-01-0u-Fg2kU/WuZCMO1AzPI/AAAAAAAANkg/EGpX2z-y3IoB6WBXWsLY1o42ymq_RKfXwCLcBGAs/s1600/093A2649.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1494" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-01-0u-Fg2kU/WuZCMO1AzPI/AAAAAAAANkg/EGpX2z-y3IoB6WBXWsLY1o42ymq_RKfXwCLcBGAs/s640/093A2649.jpg" width="596" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sonny was close by enjoying the morning sun!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GbComczHfCE/WuZCMSB01jI/AAAAAAAANko/ivvfEGg9GS4Ro_EBlkZlUqZH5l78etIIgCLcBGAs/s1600/093A2668.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1554" data-original-width="1600" height="620" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GbComczHfCE/WuZCMSB01jI/AAAAAAAANko/ivvfEGg9GS4Ro_EBlkZlUqZH5l78etIIgCLcBGAs/s640/093A2668.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As I headed back to the car, I heard a familiar sound of the spotted towhee!</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jo0oPXX58QA/WuZCMHeVKFI/AAAAAAAANkk/LtN1W7wcjrwtX7PJSa3kv20Z3Vj9VMr-gCLcBGAs/s1600/093A2689.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1485" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jo0oPXX58QA/WuZCMHeVKFI/AAAAAAAANkk/LtN1W7wcjrwtX7PJSa3kv20Z3Vj9VMr-gCLcBGAs/s640/093A2689.jpg" width="594" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BrCj0A3kHWQ/WuZCNZsFzyI/AAAAAAAANks/HoRnW52IeKcmbjON0unzNRryFVrKDggqQCLcBGAs/s1600/093A2693.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1263" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BrCj0A3kHWQ/WuZCNZsFzyI/AAAAAAAANks/HoRnW52IeKcmbjON0unzNRryFVrKDggqQCLcBGAs/s640/093A2693.jpg" width="504" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hazel and I had a fun hike over at Coot lake, then I spent the rest of the day getting errands done so that left Saturday free for a big hike!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I decided to go check out Lion Gulch trail. I hadn't been there in over 15 years when Mollydog and I hiked it. It had just recently reopened as it too had been decimated by the 2013 floods. The fun thing about this trail is that is goes to old homesteads from the early 1900's. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So Hazel and I headed out for a fun day!</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tENUS_Sxm8k/WuZCfX81OWI/AAAAAAAANo8/eRdg5ZMmLNof9egwMCtpn6hxsXgSzismgCEwYBhgL/s1600/093A2808.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1461" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tENUS_Sxm8k/WuZCfX81OWI/AAAAAAAANo8/eRdg5ZMmLNof9egwMCtpn6hxsXgSzismgCEwYBhgL/s640/093A2808.jpg" width="584" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-a98NmiKaum8/WuZCeu6vJLI/AAAAAAAANow/5lXN0BjlvqsCUTptIoMbKLxe1O2qFbxbQCEwYBhgL/s1600/093A2806.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1402" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-a98NmiKaum8/WuZCeu6vJLI/AAAAAAAANow/5lXN0BjlvqsCUTptIoMbKLxe1O2qFbxbQCEwYBhgL/s640/093A2806.jpg" width="560" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_fLn9E0dfdE/WuZCeDzmoKI/AAAAAAAANo4/sNwOxRI3Bg08OQvW8A74KG9wKVw3m_DLQCEwYBhgL/s1600/093A2804.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1513" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_fLn9E0dfdE/WuZCeDzmoKI/AAAAAAAANo4/sNwOxRI3Bg08OQvW8A74KG9wKVw3m_DLQCEwYBhgL/s640/093A2804.jpg" width="604" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rfVPEvcISbQ/WuZCP3qDrAI/AAAAAAAANkw/mg4Dxv9hlFkLh7jZCwXkhPIobh_RwTpYQCLcBGAs/s1600/093A2712.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1215" data-original-width="1600" height="486" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rfVPEvcISbQ/WuZCP3qDrAI/AAAAAAAANkw/mg4Dxv9hlFkLh7jZCwXkhPIobh_RwTpYQCLcBGAs/s640/093A2712.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MsRTI0fAQHE/WuZCRAHempI/AAAAAAAANk0/Zi_yR3pEYtgJElPSd8qQIL5KwBXMUvTPQCLcBGAs/s1600/093A2719.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1250" data-original-width="1600" height="498" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MsRTI0fAQHE/WuZCRAHempI/AAAAAAAANk0/Zi_yR3pEYtgJElPSd8qQIL5KwBXMUvTPQCLcBGAs/s640/093A2719.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4ulDAh-J2qM/WuZCSBZXj1I/AAAAAAAANk4/C2w8rMcfY24BqErKcAYSZreidVLEbiFdACLcBGAs/s1600/093A2724.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4ulDAh-J2qM/WuZCSBZXj1I/AAAAAAAANk4/C2w8rMcfY24BqErKcAYSZreidVLEbiFdACLcBGAs/s640/093A2724.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lsXlNz6oA7k/WuZCTK0oBsI/AAAAAAAANk8/2_-ll468RBcdL6NPDR-0W9z2w08-g9OsgCLcBGAs/s1600/093A2737.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lsXlNz6oA7k/WuZCTK0oBsI/AAAAAAAANk8/2_-ll468RBcdL6NPDR-0W9z2w08-g9OsgCLcBGAs/s640/093A2737.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I was quite sad to see how the first few homesteads had deteriorated over time. So the sign saying do no damage was a bit ironic.....</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5wEZeLa9BI8/WuZCZUnmyEI/AAAAAAAANlU/q8zI1JTgfEMl9HqjzHDURlkjYOZ2Q1jFACLcBGAs/s1600/093A2743.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="913" data-original-width="1600" height="364" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5wEZeLa9BI8/WuZCZUnmyEI/AAAAAAAANlU/q8zI1JTgfEMl9HqjzHDURlkjYOZ2Q1jFACLcBGAs/s640/093A2743.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This cute chipmunk wanted to say hi....</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-G-ATuIFwgYU/WuZCUMLJu0I/AAAAAAAANlA/oWv4DR4e6xol0YHa5EUAHKKjd1CRsps-wCLcBGAs/s1600/093A2758.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1180" data-original-width="1600" height="470" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-G-ATuIFwgYU/WuZCUMLJu0I/AAAAAAAANlA/oWv4DR4e6xol0YHa5EUAHKKjd1CRsps-wCLcBGAs/s640/093A2758.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We checked out the walker and Griffith homesteads.....</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dzvWjVdGKmM/WuZCV_pMckI/AAAAAAAANlI/PKGunrCEEyMPvxXBmQyqYZJ6e6bnpv4qwCLcBGAs/s1600/093A2770.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1496" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dzvWjVdGKmM/WuZCV_pMckI/AAAAAAAANlI/PKGunrCEEyMPvxXBmQyqYZJ6e6bnpv4qwCLcBGAs/s640/093A2770.jpg" width="598" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Next time up, I'd like to check these out as I've never hiked in that far...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aBPBvHDuOuU/WuZCWUIMWUI/AAAAAAAANlM/Qcex7sPoEvkTmsDCwQ3EFge5mPy3QS_hQCLcBGAs/s1600/093A2772.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1565" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aBPBvHDuOuU/WuZCWUIMWUI/AAAAAAAANlM/Qcex7sPoEvkTmsDCwQ3EFge5mPy3QS_hQCLcBGAs/s640/093A2772.jpg" width="626" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ULwvVHDUQfQ/WuZCZLnNIII/AAAAAAAANlQ/K-klBTdp_yIvHgIKpkCNpBDWhAktT5f7wCLcBGAs/s1600/093A2775.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1065" data-original-width="1600" height="424" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ULwvVHDUQfQ/WuZCZLnNIII/AAAAAAAANlQ/K-klBTdp_yIvHgIKpkCNpBDWhAktT5f7wCLcBGAs/s640/093A2775.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> This pine squirrel said hi.......</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cIwW7-gh9Zc/WuZCaUaTisI/AAAAAAAANlY/ELZ94GZQSf00oCBNKocY57egT5x73QYYACLcBGAs/s1600/093A2777.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1191" data-original-width="1600" height="476" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cIwW7-gh9Zc/WuZCaUaTisI/AAAAAAAANlY/ELZ94GZQSf00oCBNKocY57egT5x73QYYACLcBGAs/s640/093A2777.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wj2qRO2oNKk/WuZCbdjW7tI/AAAAAAAANlc/MMQPMIrPFgotHIOUhBlVrjnxLZmTpIaCQCLcBGAs/s1600/093A2786.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1275" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wj2qRO2oNKk/WuZCbdjW7tI/AAAAAAAANlc/MMQPMIrPFgotHIOUhBlVrjnxLZmTpIaCQCLcBGAs/s640/093A2786.jpg" width="510" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The spring wildflowers are just getting started.....</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lzut4FUOSE0/WuZCUV43hMI/AAAAAAAANo8/3Jh0NEepnHkhxc2QJQnzrG7o4npZgxj_wCEwYBhgL/s1600/093A2728.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1430" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lzut4FUOSE0/WuZCUV43hMI/AAAAAAAANo8/3Jh0NEepnHkhxc2QJQnzrG7o4npZgxj_wCEwYBhgL/s640/093A2728.jpg" width="572" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Kk9ErTqJmcM/WuZCcvQ5tJI/AAAAAAAANlk/xI5wvHLiMg4l5f5b42mMNP8WQsqvsWWBgCLcBGAs/s1600/093A2792.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1230" data-original-width="1600" height="492" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Kk9ErTqJmcM/WuZCcvQ5tJI/AAAAAAAANlk/xI5wvHLiMg4l5f5b42mMNP8WQsqvsWWBgCLcBGAs/s640/093A2792.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sV03sW0_QmM/WuZCbskdckI/AAAAAAAANlg/L2vFbDFkFiQImVYPuGcq_FD2BsCeglLHwCLcBGAs/s1600/093A2793.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="970" data-original-width="1600" height="386" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sV03sW0_QmM/WuZCbskdckI/AAAAAAAANlg/L2vFbDFkFiQImVYPuGcq_FD2BsCeglLHwCLcBGAs/s640/093A2793.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Whew! What a fun and butt kicking hike that was! Took us about 5 hours and we covered about 7.5 miles! You could still see lots of devastation from the floods but it was a fun hike for sure! </span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Now it's Sunday! My favorite day to go photographing! With coffee in hand, I headed out to Barr lake! First I checked to see if any burrowing owls were on Piccadilly Rd but I struck out.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So I drove into the park and headed towards the barn owl nesting box. On the way, the red tailed hawk posed nicely!</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5w2FbWsoqa8/WuZCe0NmGMI/AAAAAAAANlw/3DYd_yHwPVEkXBGtpotKswPqLP3uRgqQQCLcBGAs/s1600/093A2839.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1070" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5w2FbWsoqa8/WuZCe0NmGMI/AAAAAAAANlw/3DYd_yHwPVEkXBGtpotKswPqLP3uRgqQQCLcBGAs/s640/093A2839.jpg" width="427" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qVwprzq03TI/WuZCgYC-4AI/AAAAAAAANl8/whDUuovH_zYnqA-P0BJq0I6pQ5CAH4OgQCLcBGAs/s1600/093A2855.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1159" data-original-width="1225" height="604" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qVwprzq03TI/WuZCgYC-4AI/AAAAAAAANl8/whDUuovH_zYnqA-P0BJq0I6pQ5CAH4OgQCLcBGAs/s640/093A2855.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-L2TGqF1CJP0/WuZChIoItMI/AAAAAAAANmA/vIq6cWSeJnULr7jD2xzQmXI6Xj-gYl8IgCLcBGAs/s1600/093A2845.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-L2TGqF1CJP0/WuZChIoItMI/AAAAAAAANmA/vIq6cWSeJnULr7jD2xzQmXI6Xj-gYl8IgCLcBGAs/s400/093A2845.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The nest box was empty..... </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So I doubled back to head for the gazebo and spotted this immature bald eagle!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jrJpoybnJuM/WuZChGC9vwI/AAAAAAAANmE/_bqKfdBur0IbkE9sW8YhVASGUYyAJJCsgCLcBGAs/s1600/093A2862.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1351" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jrJpoybnJuM/WuZChGC9vwI/AAAAAAAANmE/_bqKfdBur0IbkE9sW8YhVASGUYyAJJCsgCLcBGAs/s640/093A2862.jpg" width="540" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A small bird was dive bombing him....</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fA9y81PFEuQ/WuZChYa3F-I/AAAAAAAANmI/dJpznLYAs6wCEfGo8OxLYYdVr6RJdspFgCLcBGAs/s1600/093A2871.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1554" data-original-width="1323" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fA9y81PFEuQ/WuZChYa3F-I/AAAAAAAANmI/dJpznLYAs6wCEfGo8OxLYYdVr6RJdspFgCLcBGAs/s640/093A2871.jpg" width="544" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Au6WiusAhEs/WuZCiZCMMMI/AAAAAAAANmQ/i5diSutQRxcoJEZijIxiCm7Fe72BvgbrQCLcBGAs/s1600/093A2885.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="623" data-original-width="733" height="542" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Au6WiusAhEs/WuZCiZCMMMI/AAAAAAAANmQ/i5diSutQRxcoJEZijIxiCm7Fe72BvgbrQCLcBGAs/s640/093A2885.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qJ0rUKVvQS8/WuZCjKkzMyI/AAAAAAAANmU/L_7967cr8g8kG8rjOKCoTPZHLWbsMC8XwCLcBGAs/s1600/093A2893.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1510" data-original-width="1023" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qJ0rUKVvQS8/WuZCjKkzMyI/AAAAAAAANmU/L_7967cr8g8kG8rjOKCoTPZHLWbsMC8XwCLcBGAs/s640/093A2893.jpg" width="432" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The robins were everywhere but I never get tired of seeing them and hearing their sweet song!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5A8BKiBGZ90/WuZCj8MFN4I/AAAAAAAANmY/RaNJ8nhRy8gF3d2hEbPodKOx6m2Fo0bdACLcBGAs/s1600/093A2896.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1378" data-original-width="1600" height="550" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5A8BKiBGZ90/WuZCj8MFN4I/AAAAAAAANmY/RaNJ8nhRy8gF3d2hEbPodKOx6m2Fo0bdACLcBGAs/s640/093A2896.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Same with the song sparrows, everywhere singing their hearts out!</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uZIqmLfRoQ4/WuZCkJ3ItHI/AAAAAAAANmc/EiiI6uKDAlQPnbCOZd9dctU305M5roRRgCLcBGAs/s1600/093A2901.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1039" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uZIqmLfRoQ4/WuZCkJ3ItHI/AAAAAAAANmc/EiiI6uKDAlQPnbCOZd9dctU305M5roRRgCLcBGAs/s640/093A2901.jpg" width="414" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tE_PYZN8dOg/WuZCklR7C0I/AAAAAAAANmg/H94LuiSoru0pQrCbzhHqdIl_Cxf6o323ACLcBGAs/s1600/093A2906.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="943" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tE_PYZN8dOg/WuZCklR7C0I/AAAAAAAANmg/H94LuiSoru0pQrCbzhHqdIl_Cxf6o323ACLcBGAs/s640/093A2906.jpg" width="376" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3oM1sIO_MGk/WuZCnELXlgI/AAAAAAAANmw/LnrECvuDsdAy-Jeb9fGLgtITUSGya0wZgCLcBGAs/s1600/093A2939.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1310" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3oM1sIO_MGk/WuZCnELXlgI/AAAAAAAANmw/LnrECvuDsdAy-Jeb9fGLgtITUSGya0wZgCLcBGAs/s640/093A2939.jpg" width="524" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Go3KwwVlcc4/WuZCniB2J_I/AAAAAAAANm0/mVWl8de6dWsL5PuvXCMQtfwfWZnPV9yZQCLcBGAs/s1600/093A2946.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1239" data-original-width="1600" height="494" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Go3KwwVlcc4/WuZCniB2J_I/AAAAAAAANm0/mVWl8de6dWsL5PuvXCMQtfwfWZnPV9yZQCLcBGAs/s640/093A2946.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There are quite a few coots too! And I got my reflection shot before the wind kicked up!</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C3Hhr48Thpk/WuZCoOQHZHI/AAAAAAAANm4/Dw09Nrz31tw_SUA83z9xe_51KffUTmmGwCLcBGAs/s1600/093A2954.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="812" data-original-width="1448" height="358" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C3Hhr48Thpk/WuZCoOQHZHI/AAAAAAAANm4/Dw09Nrz31tw_SUA83z9xe_51KffUTmmGwCLcBGAs/s640/093A2954.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The killdeer put on a nice show taking a morning bath!</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IbbdcBilPMc/WuZCoigjYjI/AAAAAAAANm8/YfrhoKcX3jc270orMOjam-9VTxBR-eghgCLcBGAs/s1600/093A2967.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="743" data-original-width="1149" height="412" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IbbdcBilPMc/WuZCoigjYjI/AAAAAAAANm8/YfrhoKcX3jc270orMOjam-9VTxBR-eghgCLcBGAs/s640/093A2967.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sz8I_21XfCk/WuZCpORTnoI/AAAAAAAANnA/uW9w7PkHqFMDLTknDUUkTUwu0uUC5bJwwCLcBGAs/s1600/093A2974.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="778" data-original-width="675" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sz8I_21XfCk/WuZCpORTnoI/AAAAAAAANnA/uW9w7PkHqFMDLTknDUUkTUwu0uUC5bJwwCLcBGAs/s640/093A2974.jpg" width="554" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-G3lP6JZi9CE/WuZCpjwSKOI/AAAAAAAANnE/GPY3QPuViOYkNIL-8eLBH8kKIVtFvSUtACLcBGAs/s1600/093A2981.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="937" data-original-width="977" height="612" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-G3lP6JZi9CE/WuZCpjwSKOI/AAAAAAAANnE/GPY3QPuViOYkNIL-8eLBH8kKIVtFvSUtACLcBGAs/s640/093A2981.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lYPgNKck_UM/WuZCp2l4MAI/AAAAAAAANnI/gGRJTLPB_uwsepJRMIFQGksPpoMDfrFYACLcBGAs/s1600/093A2984.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="938" data-original-width="1141" height="526" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lYPgNKck_UM/WuZCp2l4MAI/AAAAAAAANnI/gGRJTLPB_uwsepJRMIFQGksPpoMDfrFYACLcBGAs/s640/093A2984.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Yes! I was hoping to see the yellow headed blackbirds!</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Pixofas6BoU/WuZCqFYC07I/AAAAAAAANnM/v07SYsUXavYjXUa6-QCZKlu3e4G7NGqtgCLcBGAs/s1600/093A2995.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="855" data-original-width="853" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Pixofas6BoU/WuZCqFYC07I/AAAAAAAANnM/v07SYsUXavYjXUa6-QCZKlu3e4G7NGqtgCLcBGAs/s640/093A2995.jpg" width="638" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I got to the gazebo where you can just make out the bald eagle nest on the west side of the lake! The snow covered mountains made a nice backdrop......</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-B3OwtEVYYJY/WuZCsf1pKiI/AAAAAAAANnc/HMbSSl7wcjYCEepIqgj1NhjWfabTRImzgCLcBGAs/s1600/093A3018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1251" data-original-width="1600" height="500" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-B3OwtEVYYJY/WuZCsf1pKiI/AAAAAAAANnc/HMbSSl7wcjYCEepIqgj1NhjWfabTRImzgCLcBGAs/s640/093A3018.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-n1UHV3qTZMA/WuZCrBK_JGI/AAAAAAAANnU/BMlGnADRlLAK_74SqK_YxAUenhj6znWCACLcBGAs/s1600/093A3019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="645" data-original-width="901" height="458" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-n1UHV3qTZMA/WuZCrBK_JGI/AAAAAAAANnU/BMlGnADRlLAK_74SqK_YxAUenhj6znWCACLcBGAs/s640/093A3019.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I was hoping to see the western grebes courting and dancing on the water. Bummer, all I saw were the pelicans........</span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xHaur3ZTqPY/WuZCtCGyG1I/AAAAAAAANno/SHbxtvxsTH8x8Vc-qKeUw-ESFzQQjWn2QCLcBGAs/s1600/093A3039.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="756" data-original-width="1600" height="302" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xHaur3ZTqPY/WuZCtCGyG1I/AAAAAAAANno/SHbxtvxsTH8x8Vc-qKeUw-ESFzQQjWn2QCLcBGAs/s640/093A3039.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This is a female red winged blackbird</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mDn7rsNq2mA/WuZCszgolRI/AAAAAAAANng/ly2zHnp2ULcJoovRQ8y53EzxN_mdzXyPwCLcBGAs/s1600/093A3047.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1528" data-original-width="1600" height="610" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mDn7rsNq2mA/WuZCszgolRI/AAAAAAAANng/ly2zHnp2ULcJoovRQ8y53EzxN_mdzXyPwCLcBGAs/s640/093A3047.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And I do love seeing the wrens!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-z-rj_rqbNfk/WuZCt4edxGI/AAAAAAAANns/n-qXsePG72AX4GnVvc4PD8nzyZxC-fHHQCLcBGAs/s1600/093A3057.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1310" data-original-width="1054" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-z-rj_rqbNfk/WuZCt4edxGI/AAAAAAAANns/n-qXsePG72AX4GnVvc4PD8nzyZxC-fHHQCLcBGAs/s640/093A3057.jpg" width="514" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6v582PZfq9k/WuZCu42fvTI/AAAAAAAANnw/Q0_O56OR3VMtl7DO2tof9NfhbSA-Sev7QCLcBGAs/s1600/093A3062.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1206" data-original-width="1600" height="482" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6v582PZfq9k/WuZCu42fvTI/AAAAAAAANnw/Q0_O56OR3VMtl7DO2tof9NfhbSA-Sev7QCLcBGAs/s640/093A3062.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This yellow headed blackbird chose a tree over the cat tail reeds to sing his song!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mYfjDClNxMo/WuZCvLXm5II/AAAAAAAANn4/1JcIbnXGToUjuc3Saj4w2Dqb3K9fUnqDwCLcBGAs/s1600/093A3088.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="753" data-original-width="1082" height="444" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mYfjDClNxMo/WuZCvLXm5II/AAAAAAAANn4/1JcIbnXGToUjuc3Saj4w2Dqb3K9fUnqDwCLcBGAs/s640/093A3088.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I was almost back to the parking lot when a flock of blue winged teals flew by. It's part of their courtship, that one female and a group of males fly around. How she chooses her mate, I have no idea! But it's cool to see!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sIPkA2ecqMk/WuZCvWUaA8I/AAAAAAAANn8/6-IlLaMMGTUr6FxPIyrjM9UDGVhIgk0rQCLcBGAs/s1600/093A3095.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="739" data-original-width="1600" height="294" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sIPkA2ecqMk/WuZCvWUaA8I/AAAAAAAANn8/6-IlLaMMGTUr6FxPIyrjM9UDGVhIgk0rQCLcBGAs/s640/093A3095.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I was done at Barr lake, so I headed over to look for the swains hawks and maybe burrowing owls too. No luck! The swainson nest on Trussville Rd was gone! We had 80 mph winds last week so maybe that was the reason? Also no burrowing owls in the area either.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Oh well, I decided to drive the DIA loop and just as I was coming to Tower road, I spotted a few hawks flying around! Sweet! Swanson's hawks! There were about 6-7 soaring around looking for breakfast!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bHgJydRFGcA/WuZCvEFlHvI/AAAAAAAANn0/QGb1mgd3IPgl38tYAs02-jgOJpgR96WwQCLcBGAs/s1600/093A3100.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="794" data-original-width="1208" height="420" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bHgJydRFGcA/WuZCvEFlHvI/AAAAAAAANn0/QGb1mgd3IPgl38tYAs02-jgOJpgR96WwQCLcBGAs/s640/093A3100.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bX-44HtfYVg/WuZCv3crS2I/AAAAAAAANoA/CAh0Nd8C2iAVSdJ_Fxv-KyYmehqVaUEWACLcBGAs/s1600/093A3103.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="748" data-original-width="908" height="526" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bX-44HtfYVg/WuZCv3crS2I/AAAAAAAANoA/CAh0Nd8C2iAVSdJ_Fxv-KyYmehqVaUEWACLcBGAs/s640/093A3103.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-R1N5ylskT-k/WuZCwiKgVPI/AAAAAAAANoE/e8qdDy9dR24yxSw3DZ6vWB3bzB1ULc54gCLcBGAs/s1600/093A3122.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1136" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-R1N5ylskT-k/WuZCwiKgVPI/AAAAAAAANoE/e8qdDy9dR24yxSw3DZ6vWB3bzB1ULc54gCLcBGAs/s640/093A3122.jpg" width="454" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZCx100GtZkk/WuZCw7fSakI/AAAAAAAANoI/yGC9VVn2314m_LJ6XC_LGJ8uxJvJNwmQACLcBGAs/s1600/093A3142.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1027" data-original-width="1027" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZCx100GtZkk/WuZCw7fSakI/AAAAAAAANoI/yGC9VVn2314m_LJ6XC_LGJ8uxJvJNwmQACLcBGAs/s640/093A3142.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UwxZMFz_qT0/WuZCxQUj6aI/AAAAAAAANoM/PdjAWxnZBIo7At0aXbSXmsoPuo2u3KfYQCLcBGAs/s1600/093A3144.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="518" data-original-width="1000" height="330" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UwxZMFz_qT0/WuZCxQUj6aI/AAAAAAAANoM/PdjAWxnZBIo7At0aXbSXmsoPuo2u3KfYQCLcBGAs/s640/093A3144.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IFsoTVvnHhw/WuZCxrr4D-I/AAAAAAAANoQ/AdCKjBUlSQcNnzAJbUaaFZoGcN9XZJlmwCLcBGAs/s1600/093A3155.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="656" data-original-width="976" height="430" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IFsoTVvnHhw/WuZCxrr4D-I/AAAAAAAANoQ/AdCKjBUlSQcNnzAJbUaaFZoGcN9XZJlmwCLcBGAs/s640/093A3155.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I was planning to head home but decided to go check on my owl friends. I got word the second owlet was also out of the nest and hanging with owlet #1. I figured it was worth a shot at getting a pic or two if they were in a good spot for pics!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I headed down the back path and couldn't believe my luck! There they were in a perfect spot for pics! Luckily other people out to see the owlets were not aware of the back path and the great views of the kids. So they just got a glimpse of the owlets through the branches.......</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BtH5Z51ihBw/WuZCzFdBZiI/AAAAAAAANoU/wC7LToKr_FgC2Au2NVzcKs-1OuiNQCgqgCLcBGAs/s1600/093A3164.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1493" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BtH5Z51ihBw/WuZCzFdBZiI/AAAAAAAANoU/wC7LToKr_FgC2Au2NVzcKs-1OuiNQCgqgCLcBGAs/s640/093A3164.jpg" width="596" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SKLfRtEILBA/WuZCzr5gvoI/AAAAAAAANoY/ufaseQv4NvQG6Ot443BGA0i7YsF3DNf8QCLcBGAs/s1600/093A3172.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1552" data-original-width="1600" height="620" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SKLfRtEILBA/WuZCzr5gvoI/AAAAAAAANoY/ufaseQv4NvQG6Ot443BGA0i7YsF3DNf8QCLcBGAs/s640/093A3172.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1ZJ2CycRpEw/WuZC08o8vMI/AAAAAAAANog/3NNR3L7cT885hSsm_ztSP5VEKJ37cih4QCLcBGAs/s1600/093A3212.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1390" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1ZJ2CycRpEw/WuZC08o8vMI/AAAAAAAANog/3NNR3L7cT885hSsm_ztSP5VEKJ37cih4QCLcBGAs/s640/093A3212.jpg" width="554" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hvKi2UtHM2k/WuZC0R6bftI/AAAAAAAANoc/RwuLtzqF9eMJwKnPLiKj9q6F33lfZ0I6wCLcBGAs/s1600/093A3219.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1547" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hvKi2UtHM2k/WuZC0R6bftI/AAAAAAAANoc/RwuLtzqF9eMJwKnPLiKj9q6F33lfZ0I6wCLcBGAs/s640/093A3219.jpg" width="618" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Well, it was a very fun birthday weekend! To start it and finish it with owlet pics was fantastic! My friend Georgia and I like to name the owlets. This year we decided on Minnie and Mickey! Stay tune for owlet updates as they learn to fly and hunt throughout the summer.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Thanks for reading!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>Alexa Boyeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16747241225405199044noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1856431204466871897.post-45234238753108252262018-04-20T13:58:00.001-07:002018-04-20T13:58:14.684-07:00Checking on My Owl Friends<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> I've been pretty busy lately, so I haven't made time to go visit my owl friends. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Yesterday I got all my errands done and realized I had time to go visit them. So I </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">headed down about 5:30pm hoping to get some fun pics. The clouds were coming</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> in fast which could make getting some pics challenging. But either way I was excited </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">to see what was going on.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I was hoping there wouldn't be too many photographers and my wish was granted! There were only about 5-6 of them...sweet! </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I spotted Cher right away sitting just to the left of the nest.....</span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aBiEYcBOgMw/WtpQmAXbiAI/AAAAAAAANkE/0r39cpdI5BIPZfzkfbZDjrovq6xk0wkkwCLcBGAs/s1600/093A2580.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1480" data-original-width="1380" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aBiEYcBOgMw/WtpQmAXbiAI/AAAAAAAANkE/0r39cpdI5BIPZfzkfbZDjrovq6xk0wkkwCLcBGAs/s640/093A2580.jpg" width="596" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zg-5l4Sn-f0/WtpQgIaDO2I/AAAAAAAANj4/heO2qlu5SJ0btxuaXEIpoNS2D5URP9g9QCLcBGAs/s1600/093A2582.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1044" data-original-width="1211" height="550" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zg-5l4Sn-f0/WtpQgIaDO2I/AAAAAAAANj4/heO2qlu5SJ0btxuaXEIpoNS2D5URP9g9QCLcBGAs/s640/093A2582.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There are two owlets but only one was visible.....</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Oi_7qhHI5Dg/WtpQfvOYGoI/AAAAAAAANjw/q7bCnLNZ3IgagWW1n8s-qViVvpi5Z4YZwCLcBGAs/s1600/093A2587.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="928" data-original-width="1131" height="524" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Oi_7qhHI5Dg/WtpQfvOYGoI/AAAAAAAANjw/q7bCnLNZ3IgagWW1n8s-qViVvpi5Z4YZwCLcBGAs/s640/093A2587.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After a few minutes, the owlet woke up so I could get some fun pics!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AxGeZNrvoGM/WtpQgGgh9uI/AAAAAAAANj0/NCbH9A0s780cgTCHiuEeP6fDX_xcuQYUwCLcBGAs/s1600/093A2596.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1462" data-original-width="1125" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AxGeZNrvoGM/WtpQgGgh9uI/AAAAAAAANj0/NCbH9A0s780cgTCHiuEeP6fDX_xcuQYUwCLcBGAs/s640/093A2596.jpg" width="492" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MCHpCTE2wZE/WtpQhZ2qxeI/AAAAAAAANkQ/FI-jAsglHHUOO4w7BfzMDksfKrskfubmgCEwYBhgL/s1600/093A2611.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="864" data-original-width="1041" height="530" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MCHpCTE2wZE/WtpQhZ2qxeI/AAAAAAAANkQ/FI-jAsglHHUOO4w7BfzMDksfKrskfubmgCEwYBhgL/s640/093A2611.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Cher started getting ready for a busy night of hunting. And Sonny was across the path perched in a big clump of branches. He was also getting ready for a busy night.....</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6VVI5JSSsNM/WtpQhcVJS2I/AAAAAAAANj8/xJ7sEN_HcXAZNErXyMjJhb4IXOOUN6ZxgCLcBGAs/s1600/093A2598.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1458" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6VVI5JSSsNM/WtpQhcVJS2I/AAAAAAAANj8/xJ7sEN_HcXAZNErXyMjJhb4IXOOUN6ZxgCLcBGAs/s640/093A2598.jpg" width="582" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As it started to get dark, all the other photographers left. While I like to get photos, I also enjoy just watching the owls go about their business. Seeing them fly off and return with a rabbit, meadow voles or other dinner items for the owlets is always a treat to observe!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I said for a bit but all was quiet. The owlets were still snoozing, so Sonny and Cher were in no hurry to get dinner. Finally, it was time for my dinner, so I headed home after a fun evening!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Thanks for reading!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />Alexa Boyeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16747241225405199044noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1856431204466871897.post-80601439374502416802018-04-01T16:33:00.003-07:002018-04-01T16:33:43.135-07:00Visit To My Favorite Spot<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I was looking forward to going out photographing this morning! But I knew the weather maybe a factor. Oh well, it was worth a shot! Hopefully it wouldn't be an April fool's joke on me!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> But as I left the house around 6am with coffee in hand, I felt something touching my face! Damn! Snow! Luckily it didn't last long and I had about an hour's drive so hopefully the weather would be better in Lakewood at my favorite spot.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Well, it wasn't snowing when I got to my favorite spot but it was very cloudy as you can see........</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gm1QHsZfBYQ/WsFU9wV71yI/AAAAAAAANfM/TGz_sPedwrE7KUXXWMrvYk7fK52ge6WuQCLcBGAs/s1600/093A1981.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gm1QHsZfBYQ/WsFU9wV71yI/AAAAAAAANfM/TGz_sPedwrE7KUXXWMrvYk7fK52ge6WuQCLcBGAs/s640/093A1981.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The light was very flat which makes photographing very challenging. I kept looking up at the sky hoping to see the sun. And while I waited, I still took pics......</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I love avocets! I found this lone one having breakfast. Female avocets have a more curved bill. It's easy to tell males from females when they're together but singles are a challenge. I'm gonna call this one a female.....</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-K1kj9N_lwYM/WsFU6VWYyBI/AAAAAAAANe0/UB-K_UnZS2Y6R5qO0L7RuhmnOVzp2zhswCLcBGAs/s1600/093A1989.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1302" data-original-width="1600" height="520" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-K1kj9N_lwYM/WsFU6VWYyBI/AAAAAAAANe0/UB-K_UnZS2Y6R5qO0L7RuhmnOVzp2zhswCLcBGAs/s640/093A1989.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I scanned this area for any great blue heron nests but all I saw was the cormorants. In the past, there have been 4-6 GBH heron nests but it looked like they got pushed out.....</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9h2s2ITOH_Q/WsFU75MKsZI/AAAAAAAANe8/oBG2lY7kYooOB0OixORTMADCtEAZC7NcgCLcBGAs/s1600/093A1996.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9h2s2ITOH_Q/WsFU75MKsZI/AAAAAAAANe8/oBG2lY7kYooOB0OixORTMADCtEAZC7NcgCLcBGAs/s640/093A1996.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The northern shovelers were quite numerous. Here's a cute couple.......</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UXu5PzvbRoM/WsFU7oN06aI/AAAAAAAANe4/KgWj2_DxrjQWtJYZRjE68lxRDPKRKz1VACLcBGAs/s1600/093A2020.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="911" data-original-width="1380" height="422" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UXu5PzvbRoM/WsFU7oN06aI/AAAAAAAANe4/KgWj2_DxrjQWtJYZRjE68lxRDPKRKz1VACLcBGAs/s640/093A2020.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Mister gadwall is very handsome!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-do6GPJLOnQ4/WsFU86psjPI/AAAAAAAANfA/FnIn0NXQVTArGVF9G8ozrwOvtKGwDarYwCLcBGAs/s1600/093A2031.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1012" data-original-width="1600" height="404" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-do6GPJLOnQ4/WsFU86psjPI/AAAAAAAANfA/FnIn0NXQVTArGVF9G8ozrwOvtKGwDarYwCLcBGAs/s640/093A2031.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u-KfHecePMY/WsFU9arVk9I/AAAAAAAANfE/gvaP_YwGgHsSO56KsRBXYnTQlOFiFCJQwCLcBGAs/s1600/093A2043.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="505" data-original-width="732" height="440" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u-KfHecePMY/WsFU9arVk9I/AAAAAAAANfE/gvaP_YwGgHsSO56KsRBXYnTQlOFiFCJQwCLcBGAs/s640/093A2043.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This flicker flew up and landed right near me. He posed so nicely, I had to take his pic! His markings are spectacular!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kGJ93tvssSU/WsFVAeyH9pI/AAAAAAAANfg/EJkOiDNUMG023DEY-zqjz2YfBaUl3pm4ACLcBGAs/s1600/093A2050.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1293" data-original-width="1600" height="516" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kGJ93tvssSU/WsFVAeyH9pI/AAAAAAAANfg/EJkOiDNUMG023DEY-zqjz2YfBaUl3pm4ACLcBGAs/s640/093A2050.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Two dudes.....</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wYpv6bhdmyw/WsFU-xK3tlI/AAAAAAAANfQ/77hNNQ65aiMde8_D3g6TxL7oOaRgYt6KgCLcBGAs/s1600/093A2053.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1044" data-original-width="1600" height="416" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wYpv6bhdmyw/WsFU-xK3tlI/AAAAAAAANfQ/77hNNQ65aiMde8_D3g6TxL7oOaRgYt6KgCLcBGAs/s640/093A2053.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> I made it to the back pond and spotted a pair of ring necked ducks. And even better, the sun had made it's way through the clouds!!!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LelnPb7xzA8/WsFU_qI-2RI/AAAAAAAANfY/4-L8Z1sCJ2kWP7OEt0sMilb_OwnTXgvvACLcBGAs/s1600/093A2067.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="798" data-original-width="1299" height="392" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LelnPb7xzA8/WsFU_qI-2RI/AAAAAAAANfY/4-L8Z1sCJ2kWP7OEt0sMilb_OwnTXgvvACLcBGAs/s640/093A2067.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_PigYiuzDiM/WsFVAFQ0QyI/AAAAAAAANfc/p89oU2o5sWwVOGQxjupsVlqP_oog7NpnACLcBGAs/s1600/093A2073.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="879" data-original-width="1043" height="538" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_PigYiuzDiM/WsFVAFQ0QyI/AAAAAAAANfc/p89oU2o5sWwVOGQxjupsVlqP_oog7NpnACLcBGAs/s640/093A2073.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I was almost done with my first loop when I spotted this handsome green winged teal!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3Gt38E1-x1k/WsFVBCyQPmI/AAAAAAAANfs/_yO1yfmQIUUe5oFcPg4knsxwg2JCr_osACLcBGAs/s1600/093A2100.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1011" data-original-width="1600" height="404" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3Gt38E1-x1k/WsFVBCyQPmI/AAAAAAAANfs/_yO1yfmQIUUe5oFcPg4knsxwg2JCr_osACLcBGAs/s640/093A2100.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kxvEaecFq8Q/WsFVA_M6exI/AAAAAAAANfk/i6YaAUop6DMLDsBBmk2DiYilQXa8MKf9gCLcBGAs/s1600/093A2102.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1061" data-original-width="1550" height="438" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kxvEaecFq8Q/WsFVA_M6exI/AAAAAAAANfk/i6YaAUop6DMLDsBBmk2DiYilQXa8MKf9gCLcBGAs/s640/093A2102.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rQsqedlM5M4/WsFVBNFHqTI/AAAAAAAANfo/8fUD-z6cnbU81KCKWvxFsSee7WMI4FvxQCLcBGAs/s1600/093A2103.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="773" data-original-width="992" height="498" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rQsqedlM5M4/WsFVBNFHqTI/AAAAAAAANfo/8fUD-z6cnbU81KCKWvxFsSee7WMI4FvxQCLcBGAs/s640/093A2103.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I had made it back to the gazebo and was so happy to see that there were two GBH nests among the cormorants!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Interestingly, the GBH males arrive first in the spring and pick a nest. Then they court females as they arrive. Once they have a mate, the males bring the nesting material and the female arranges it to her liking!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uQHbr8oU6Vc/WsFVBr4cGnI/AAAAAAAANfw/6zo3suwIgk8EBlktwjKiTjXZrq9rj-towCLcBGAs/s1600/093A2123.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1559" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uQHbr8oU6Vc/WsFVBr4cGnI/AAAAAAAANfw/6zo3suwIgk8EBlktwjKiTjXZrq9rj-towCLcBGAs/s640/093A2123.jpg" width="622" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZBO_kGcJ4P4/WsFVCXb5QHI/AAAAAAAANf0/x1EnicwOrkYzDGK6Xx38_vPXjfzTg11jgCLcBGAs/s1600/093A2125.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1541" data-original-width="1600" height="616" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZBO_kGcJ4P4/WsFVCXb5QHI/AAAAAAAANf0/x1EnicwOrkYzDGK6Xx38_vPXjfzTg11jgCLcBGAs/s640/093A2125.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZM7R2mNiThI/WsFVDdq4BOI/AAAAAAAANf4/wFrEw5XgeC8hhLqj0gywWyoh6Bqr8toyQCLcBGAs/s1600/093A2129.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1399" data-original-width="1600" height="558" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZM7R2mNiThI/WsFVDdq4BOI/AAAAAAAANf4/wFrEw5XgeC8hhLqj0gywWyoh6Bqr8toyQCLcBGAs/s640/093A2129.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sSG2b7-6fJ4/WsFVEZW-KVI/AAAAAAAANgA/T3y_Qwo7t-EJlV3v84q8sOUbOmWQ3nyXACLcBGAs/s1600/093A2138.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1555" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sSG2b7-6fJ4/WsFVEZW-KVI/AAAAAAAANgA/T3y_Qwo7t-EJlV3v84q8sOUbOmWQ3nyXACLcBGAs/s640/093A2138.jpg" width="622" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3cf5rz1-sfw/WsFVDi7-bsI/AAAAAAAANf8/cDU6nClF4jU8H0v3aL_eLpPyRrLs45sAwCLcBGAs/s1600/093A2140.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1468" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3cf5rz1-sfw/WsFVDi7-bsI/AAAAAAAANf8/cDU6nClF4jU8H0v3aL_eLpPyRrLs45sAwCLcBGAs/s640/093A2140.jpg" width="586" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> So after he dropped off the stick, he took off for more.......</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CLMA0XtrT1g/WsFVFZi6TYI/AAAAAAAANgE/eDpbpwE-lRERmypSxQV6PXd20d7AnWBEACLcBGAs/s1600/093A2144.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1019" data-original-width="1600" height="406" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CLMA0XtrT1g/WsFVFZi6TYI/AAAAAAAANgE/eDpbpwE-lRERmypSxQV6PXd20d7AnWBEACLcBGAs/s640/093A2144.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tMEZyciTJDc/WsFVFZBl8rI/AAAAAAAANgI/PGuWTiLcVwYL3OQvemZYm8NF0ovAKN6CwCLcBGAs/s1600/093A2145.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1201" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tMEZyciTJDc/WsFVFZBl8rI/AAAAAAAANgI/PGuWTiLcVwYL3OQvemZYm8NF0ovAKN6CwCLcBGAs/s640/093A2145.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I continued on and quickly spotted the GBH again, busy getting more sticks!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NZXwEcJBrHo/WsFVFoKeFYI/AAAAAAAANgM/mNNXRxUxRLIaH0humUvUJ4n1c__s7vB0wCLcBGAs/s1600/093A2158.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1350" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NZXwEcJBrHo/WsFVFoKeFYI/AAAAAAAANgM/mNNXRxUxRLIaH0humUvUJ4n1c__s7vB0wCLcBGAs/s640/093A2158.jpg" width="538" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wXn9tcqX9i4/WsFVKTq8QLI/AAAAAAAANgo/4jF_7FhnwMkb5YSBNHOVWgT5ZnZMMSU_ACLcBGAs/s1600/093A2165.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wXn9tcqX9i4/WsFVKTq8QLI/AAAAAAAANgo/4jF_7FhnwMkb5YSBNHOVWgT5ZnZMMSU_ACLcBGAs/s640/093A2165.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As I've said before in my blogs, I always do multiple loops here. Why? Because things change rapidly!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here's a good example! The first time around, I saw one avocet and now there were three! I think the front avocet is a female and the other two are males as their bills look a bit more straight.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0YWwVJpzhIE/WsFVHET4D6I/AAAAAAAANgQ/ozj_I8OlgiYlInctE3MJqKQrGNrxM7AyQCLcBGAs/s1600/093A2186.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1045" data-original-width="1600" height="418" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0YWwVJpzhIE/WsFVHET4D6I/AAAAAAAANgQ/ozj_I8OlgiYlInctE3MJqKQrGNrxM7AyQCLcBGAs/s640/093A2186.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YtnCcY-xuwA/WsFVIJ_oiEI/AAAAAAAANgY/Yg1K1kpEUo0uqOgDpSNL71CV-H5evWAuwCLcBGAs/s1600/093A2208.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1570" data-original-width="1586" height="632" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YtnCcY-xuwA/WsFVIJ_oiEI/AAAAAAAANgY/Yg1K1kpEUo0uqOgDpSNL71CV-H5evWAuwCLcBGAs/s640/093A2208.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I finally pulled myself away from the avocets and continued on. There were quite a few buffleheads but mostly out of reach. This guy came a bit closer for a decent pic....</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2lpOaDMWgxg/WsFVIHYvhrI/AAAAAAAANgc/L2xleKtZeyIiJtYQIbM6EBYRjbqDF0QyACLcBGAs/s1600/093A2213.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="763" data-original-width="1269" height="384" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2lpOaDMWgxg/WsFVIHYvhrI/AAAAAAAANgc/L2xleKtZeyIiJtYQIbM6EBYRjbqDF0QyACLcBGAs/s640/093A2213.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I noticed these two cormorants seemed like newlyweds. So cute!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uWAXIIBTWB0/WsFVJFLuqeI/AAAAAAAANgg/FeYva1HZnU0NiN75Zzcxm5lHVPBJzaN3gCLcBGAs/s1600/093A2222.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1553" data-original-width="1600" height="620" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uWAXIIBTWB0/WsFVJFLuqeI/AAAAAAAANgg/FeYva1HZnU0NiN75Zzcxm5lHVPBJzaN3gCLcBGAs/s640/093A2222.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When I came by later, they had the beginnings of a nest!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dThqMIhfu4o/WsFVUTCZZpI/AAAAAAAANi8/lKh_4WP5WOAAwBNiDb99GaZoD7OzWUeMQCEwYBhgL/s1600/093A2530.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1509" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dThqMIhfu4o/WsFVUTCZZpI/AAAAAAAANi8/lKh_4WP5WOAAwBNiDb99GaZoD7OzWUeMQCEwYBhgL/s640/093A2530.jpg" width="602" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Then this cormorant put on quite the show for me........</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UX0D8C1c14M/WsFVJgmDgVI/AAAAAAAANgk/PBPLznJqW9o9GIl9tWCApvyndmpHmIL3gCLcBGAs/s1600/093A2228.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="998" data-original-width="1600" height="398" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UX0D8C1c14M/WsFVJgmDgVI/AAAAAAAANgk/PBPLznJqW9o9GIl9tWCApvyndmpHmIL3gCLcBGAs/s640/093A2228.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-smU7fvB0VEU/WsFVKubFJZI/AAAAAAAANgs/rs-eJVeitPMlwHmq69KpLduqx-JTvzx0gCLcBGAs/s1600/093A2230.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1324" data-original-width="1600" height="528" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-smU7fvB0VEU/WsFVKubFJZI/AAAAAAAANgs/rs-eJVeitPMlwHmq69KpLduqx-JTvzx0gCLcBGAs/s640/093A2230.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-b1GxoYqhTkY/WsFVLzKoyTI/AAAAAAAANgw/ZgXHC93JbuwhzjQKvL7TMvsHMcUzvwn3ACLcBGAs/s1600/093A2231.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="941" data-original-width="1600" height="376" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-b1GxoYqhTkY/WsFVLzKoyTI/AAAAAAAANgw/ZgXHC93JbuwhzjQKvL7TMvsHMcUzvwn3ACLcBGAs/s640/093A2231.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VriLMJLKbgs/WsFVMgesfzI/AAAAAAAANg0/tIxH_UsU6PcFALJRB_h_InmmZisJW-DHACLcBGAs/s1600/093A2235.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="782" data-original-width="1600" height="312" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VriLMJLKbgs/WsFVMgesfzI/AAAAAAAANg0/tIxH_UsU6PcFALJRB_h_InmmZisJW-DHACLcBGAs/s640/093A2235.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I had to walk by the avocets to continue my loop, so of course I took more pics!</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5Vq8sGjgl4o/WsFVNL2UdeI/AAAAAAAANg8/GXAT_XRfVTwuQKBGb2I4brm4SAtdg1ogACLcBGAs/s1600/093A2243.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1113" data-original-width="1600" height="444" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5Vq8sGjgl4o/WsFVNL2UdeI/AAAAAAAANg8/GXAT_XRfVTwuQKBGb2I4brm4SAtdg1ogACLcBGAs/s640/093A2243.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-C3GcOUZvHZY/WsFVNLuQzeI/AAAAAAAANg4/YB1EP-4yRlUhXG7a8ilO7sOAa0k_RX-_wCLcBGAs/s1600/093A2246.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1377" data-original-width="1600" height="550" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-C3GcOUZvHZY/WsFVNLuQzeI/AAAAAAAANg4/YB1EP-4yRlUhXG7a8ilO7sOAa0k_RX-_wCLcBGAs/s640/093A2246.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8XYhot_kJKU/WsFVN2DWmcI/AAAAAAAANhE/4C9kcwbUDhwLS1MkKlJUaf4C9zAlLti5gCLcBGAs/s1600/093A2249.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1515" data-original-width="1600" height="604" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8XYhot_kJKU/WsFVN2DWmcI/AAAAAAAANhE/4C9kcwbUDhwLS1MkKlJUaf4C9zAlLti5gCLcBGAs/s640/093A2249.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bhw-lxhJeO8/WsFVN6SRzMI/AAAAAAAANhA/2p2OaFYjd8UGa8b-bdSq11lB6tmrAXJtgCLcBGAs/s1600/093A2252.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1199" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bhw-lxhJeO8/WsFVN6SRzMI/AAAAAAAANhA/2p2OaFYjd8UGa8b-bdSq11lB6tmrAXJtgCLcBGAs/s640/093A2252.jpg" width="478" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ObNLrQLb4PY/WsFVOV_YYwI/AAAAAAAANhI/zAmy-OQ0ugwzj022iq03mGxwNcmHYheZQCLcBGAs/s1600/093A2257.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1333" data-original-width="1600" height="532" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ObNLrQLb4PY/WsFVOV_YYwI/AAAAAAAANhI/zAmy-OQ0ugwzj022iq03mGxwNcmHYheZQCLcBGAs/s640/093A2257.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GEeiO85eiCc/WsFVOzWzH_I/AAAAAAAANhM/N4SfnFK3CToXAl3jpzChvT86LDURfXr0gCLcBGAs/s1600/093A2264.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1147" data-original-width="1600" height="458" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GEeiO85eiCc/WsFVOzWzH_I/AAAAAAAANhM/N4SfnFK3CToXAl3jpzChvT86LDURfXr0gCLcBGAs/s640/093A2264.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sleeping mallard....</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fdmkkpvIbEU/WsFVPl8_QLI/AAAAAAAANhQ/g42MxVjkbDUkF5hz8tDzDhI6ulOjviArACLcBGAs/s1600/093A2316.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1090" data-original-width="1600" height="436" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fdmkkpvIbEU/WsFVPl8_QLI/AAAAAAAANhQ/g42MxVjkbDUkF5hz8tDzDhI6ulOjviArACLcBGAs/s640/093A2316.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There were a gazillion robins around but they were much too busy to stop for a pic. Then this guy posed so nicely!</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FEUmHU4htpU/WsFVPxiVJcI/AAAAAAAANhY/flPp7BKVvDk2kfKD7CALmaxf92MmYayPQCLcBGAs/s1600/093A2322.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1579" data-original-width="1600" height="630" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FEUmHU4htpU/WsFVPxiVJcI/AAAAAAAANhY/flPp7BKVvDk2kfKD7CALmaxf92MmYayPQCLcBGAs/s640/093A2322.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Mrs gadwall was busy preening......</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eP_BWG0HzUw/WsFVPwq6cCI/AAAAAAAANhU/UKh6tAJwttgFzwflWTf4AMcNNoz_x4B4QCLcBGAs/s1600/093A2329.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1283" data-original-width="1401" height="586" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eP_BWG0HzUw/WsFVPwq6cCI/AAAAAAAANhU/UKh6tAJwttgFzwflWTf4AMcNNoz_x4B4QCLcBGAs/s640/093A2329.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">and so was Mr gadwall....</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iP7eguueWwE/WsFVQZjPf5I/AAAAAAAANhc/Hid-jZOtLy8qNlMX8p30WNmt-ThkRQhegCLcBGAs/s1600/093A2334.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1005" data-original-width="1600" height="402" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iP7eguueWwE/WsFVQZjPf5I/AAAAAAAANhc/Hid-jZOtLy8qNlMX8p30WNmt-ThkRQhegCLcBGAs/s640/093A2334.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">nearby was mrs green winged teal. Luckily she has the one green spot or it would be challenging to identify her as she looks like Mrs gadwall......</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jW7X-dfXrRQ/WsFVRGL3jII/AAAAAAAANhs/sNcrKggWQoIKe9gnQmGxGPNy3TnI7sm_gCLcBGAs/s1600/093A2347.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1194" data-original-width="1600" height="476" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jW7X-dfXrRQ/WsFVRGL3jII/AAAAAAAANhs/sNcrKggWQoIKe9gnQmGxGPNy3TnI7sm_gCLcBGAs/s640/093A2347.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C2P3RwvUGGc/WsFVQvjmYRI/AAAAAAAANhg/oTbOiBO6dfgcRocRC0ITQlr_FjnzSVbkwCLcBGAs/s1600/093A2351.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="984" data-original-width="1309" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C2P3RwvUGGc/WsFVQvjmYRI/AAAAAAAANhg/oTbOiBO6dfgcRocRC0ITQlr_FjnzSVbkwCLcBGAs/s640/093A2351.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I made it to the back pond and was very happy to see the hooded mergansers. Last summer they nested and hatched 4 hoodies! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hhaI7xE5KA0/WsFVQ9Av6kI/AAAAAAAANhk/YJDtmK9BwIsbIvyAE4sD_XSber6WaXFbQCLcBGAs/s1600/093A2395.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="782" data-original-width="1461" height="342" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hhaI7xE5KA0/WsFVQ9Av6kI/AAAAAAAANhk/YJDtmK9BwIsbIvyAE4sD_XSber6WaXFbQCLcBGAs/s640/093A2395.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UHss8qFbUQU/WsFVRM1IuKI/AAAAAAAANho/luPl33j9z1s69xvzXTP-5zxDZFf7y5-wACLcBGAs/s1600/093A2405.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1005" data-original-width="877" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UHss8qFbUQU/WsFVRM1IuKI/AAAAAAAANho/luPl33j9z1s69xvzXTP-5zxDZFf7y5-wACLcBGAs/s640/093A2405.jpg" width="558" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Damn! Mrs hoodie dove and brought up a crayfish on the other side of the small pond. I did my best to get any kind of decent pic.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-t6fCVnHfv1A/WsFVRebhNVI/AAAAAAAANhw/2co7rnEorMgkph1TrK24NKzZROC2DuLPACLcBGAs/s1600/093A2413.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="604" data-original-width="1073" height="360" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-t6fCVnHfv1A/WsFVRebhNVI/AAAAAAAANhw/2co7rnEorMgkph1TrK24NKzZROC2DuLPACLcBGAs/s640/093A2413.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FHiTSBSjtD8/WsFVRTarp8I/AAAAAAAANh0/yUaaXp3XrQgB6SSeLJLhwjarqiOwVHbrQCLcBGAs/s1600/093A2435.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="584" data-original-width="757" height="492" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FHiTSBSjtD8/WsFVRTarp8I/AAAAAAAANh0/yUaaXp3XrQgB6SSeLJLhwjarqiOwVHbrQCLcBGAs/s640/093A2435.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2ykck2pZgr4/WsFVR3iCyyI/AAAAAAAANh4/zMZZy7FYT5MXHmML6ShBBiMSL6pPCBGxgCLcBGAs/s1600/093A2438.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="817" data-original-width="1560" height="334" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2ykck2pZgr4/WsFVR3iCyyI/AAAAAAAANh4/zMZZy7FYT5MXHmML6ShBBiMSL6pPCBGxgCLcBGAs/s640/093A2438.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After she chowed down her crayfish, they started courting.......</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YXZ8lv6wMvA/WsFVSkmGcUI/AAAAAAAANh8/nOufffmrUVY_u7EFIfKIHCnrB8QOKPSFgCLcBGAs/s1600/093A2471.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="987" data-original-width="1600" height="394" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YXZ8lv6wMvA/WsFVSkmGcUI/AAAAAAAANh8/nOufffmrUVY_u7EFIfKIHCnrB8QOKPSFgCLcBGAs/s640/093A2471.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">and then they mated! hoping to see more young hoodies this summer!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IW7ScjqTKmY/WsFVS9CYa0I/AAAAAAAANiA/IxBr6j5ddQk_vDYpZ0vt8DBSJmUk4uATwCLcBGAs/s1600/093A2493.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="753" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IW7ScjqTKmY/WsFVS9CYa0I/AAAAAAAANiA/IxBr6j5ddQk_vDYpZ0vt8DBSJmUk4uATwCLcBGAs/s640/093A2493.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">cute pair of gadwalls.....</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xLVfkvc_6Dw/WsFVTNxvDUI/AAAAAAAANiE/8FAJrGnn4385j0mn7COoF1wQ37qX1Hx8gCLcBGAs/s1600/093A2497.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1215" data-original-width="1600" height="484" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xLVfkvc_6Dw/WsFVTNxvDUI/AAAAAAAANiE/8FAJrGnn4385j0mn7COoF1wQ37qX1Hx8gCLcBGAs/s640/093A2497.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The geese were plentiful too. But much like the robins, oh so busy! Except this one!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i6seKqEMbw8/WsFVT50rueI/AAAAAAAANiM/pgcrnA3xfnEVXvISfQn6TqDk6MzA5RzXgCLcBGAs/s1600/093A2501.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1374" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i6seKqEMbw8/WsFVT50rueI/AAAAAAAANiM/pgcrnA3xfnEVXvISfQn6TqDk6MzA5RzXgCLcBGAs/s640/093A2501.jpg" width="548" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">All morning I heard the kingfishers calling! finally this gal stayed still long enough for a pic.....</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ivhMFiqNLDo/WsFVTVf48lI/AAAAAAAANiI/BTuNi_w39PQ6uJ3YVka6zqJV_bFEnMpygCLcBGAs/s1600/093A2503.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="609" data-original-width="872" height="446" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ivhMFiqNLDo/WsFVTVf48lI/AAAAAAAANiI/BTuNi_w39PQ6uJ3YVka6zqJV_bFEnMpygCLcBGAs/s640/093A2503.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here's how different it looked a few hours later. Sunny with blue skies!</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-x9PD-v0ChIw/WsFVW_pinUI/AAAAAAAANik/yiFxEdPGWKsAMHx3ixI82iMosBKa3gDXwCLcBGAs/s1600/093A2544.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1086" data-original-width="1600" height="434" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-x9PD-v0ChIw/WsFVW_pinUI/AAAAAAAANik/yiFxEdPGWKsAMHx3ixI82iMosBKa3gDXwCLcBGAs/s640/093A2544.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Well, I had enough fun and started to head home. But then I decided to pop in and check out prospect park in Wheatridge. I hadn't been there since last year, so it was worth a quick look.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It ended up being pretty quiet but did see this handsome widgeon!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4mGS_c9KxC0/WsFVUbfwz1I/AAAAAAAANiU/UAU5WT1yZuUQEjFP_4yHmjA_6dyed7KMwCLcBGAs/s1600/093A2551.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="848" data-original-width="1600" height="338" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4mGS_c9KxC0/WsFVUbfwz1I/AAAAAAAANiU/UAU5WT1yZuUQEjFP_4yHmjA_6dyed7KMwCLcBGAs/s640/093A2551.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-D15lgOXXVPI/WsFVVr0_i1I/AAAAAAAANic/9TO3KcZ3-AMlP_m1Mm0uNQU2uejAtTNzQCLcBGAs/s1600/093A2555.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="589" data-original-width="863" height="436" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-D15lgOXXVPI/WsFVVr0_i1I/AAAAAAAANic/9TO3KcZ3-AMlP_m1Mm0uNQU2uejAtTNzQCLcBGAs/s640/093A2555.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">and the shovelers were active here as well...</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-r-YmHL_Utfg/WsFVVhkRTsI/AAAAAAAANiY/bi_oP8CezpAO84ss72myc-PxFalpzuLXACLcBGAs/s1600/093A2574.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="781" data-original-width="1600" height="312" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-r-YmHL_Utfg/WsFVVhkRTsI/AAAAAAAANiY/bi_oP8CezpAO84ss72myc-PxFalpzuLXACLcBGAs/s640/093A2574.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Bv_hQeBP2DY/WsFVWUdTonI/AAAAAAAANig/_J9UiORTzucJVWT7pKZTMz1AhMWF-MoXgCLcBGAs/s1600/093A2578.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="668" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Bv_hQeBP2DY/WsFVWUdTonI/AAAAAAAANig/_J9UiORTzucJVWT7pKZTMz1AhMWF-MoXgCLcBGAs/s640/093A2578.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What a fun morning! Being Easter, it was even quieter than normal for a Sunday! Then I headed home to edit all these pics and enjoy the NCAA women's basketball final!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Thanks for reading!</span><br />
<br />
<br />Alexa Boyeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16747241225405199044noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1856431204466871897.post-47910980286798193042018-03-25T15:40:00.002-07:002018-03-25T15:40:55.604-07:00Checking In With My Owl Friends<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Yea! I got out photographing today! I picked up a fun part time job at home Depot last summer. I work quite a few Saturdays which is fine with me, but then Hazel needs a hike on Sunday. Sure I've taken the camera on our hikes, but it can be hit or miss as to what I see during the hike.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In the retail world, department and store meetings are held before or after the store closes. So that means really early or really late. Lucky for me our meetings are really early! I can get up early quite easily but keep me up past my bedtime and I'm a mess for the week.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So we had our dept meeting today at 5am. Yup! 5am!!! I figured since I was up really early, I'd pack up the camera and snacks to head out for some photographing post dept meeting.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I decided to stay local so I headed over to visit my owl friends. The owlets were hatched a few weeks ago, so thought I'd check in. I quickly found Sonny enjoying the morning sun as he watched over the nest. Cher was on the nest but it was not possible to get a good pic. So I figured I'd come back later when the light was better for nest pics.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6KhP_uzn2Qw/Wrga9mslViI/AAAAAAAANc8/FihP31nQIQU4Vgv_x67rxB-fTYFkAuN4QCLcBGAs/s1600/093A1736.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1232" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6KhP_uzn2Qw/Wrga9mslViI/AAAAAAAANc8/FihP31nQIQU4Vgv_x67rxB-fTYFkAuN4QCLcBGAs/s640/093A1736.jpg" width="492" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-M1ORL14jqeY/WrgbGwGuJzI/AAAAAAAANdM/FP3Is0QpjCIqRTe8-3ki766_InEu88X-ACLcBGAs/s1600/093A1739.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1546" data-original-width="1600" height="618" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-M1ORL14jqeY/WrgbGwGuJzI/AAAAAAAANdM/FP3Is0QpjCIqRTe8-3ki766_InEu88X-ACLcBGAs/s640/093A1739.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CNYpNeATNyE/WrgauIA0oXI/AAAAAAAANcw/BqGcYhsPx2kA8MYTyqXOi1TY1gdO_SsNgCLcBGAs/s1600/093A1745.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1145" data-original-width="1600" height="456" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CNYpNeATNyE/WrgauIA0oXI/AAAAAAAANcw/BqGcYhsPx2kA8MYTyqXOi1TY1gdO_SsNgCLcBGAs/s640/093A1745.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I headed over to Walden Ponds to see what was going on. I quickly spotted this greater yellow legs getting breakfast. He/she was a bit far out on the pond but I had to attempt a decent pic.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SUr3EHzQNmM/Wrgau0bhb3I/AAAAAAAANc0/ky-ukDFUlG4taGyJFIVno1t8aA4K-COLwCLcBGAs/s1600/093A1757.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="695" data-original-width="893" height="498" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SUr3EHzQNmM/Wrgau0bhb3I/AAAAAAAANc0/ky-ukDFUlG4taGyJFIVno1t8aA4K-COLwCLcBGAs/s640/093A1757.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MqlTaR1Jtks/WrgaxoYZvaI/AAAAAAAANc4/situDNGerykqe9UvKWTBPBiRr-ZKGaM3ACLcBGAs/s1600/093A1760.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1071" data-original-width="823" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MqlTaR1Jtks/WrgaxoYZvaI/AAAAAAAANc4/situDNGerykqe9UvKWTBPBiRr-ZKGaM3ACLcBGAs/s640/093A1760.jpg" width="490" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The views of the mountains are always breath taking!</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Z-iwADd3-rI/WrgbGAQ7XZI/AAAAAAAANdI/pD8FwoxNdHc0lmx8lZ49uyxk171tVIa0wCLcBGAs/s1600/093A1781.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Z-iwADd3-rI/WrgbGAQ7XZI/AAAAAAAANdI/pD8FwoxNdHc0lmx8lZ49uyxk171tVIa0wCLcBGAs/s640/093A1781.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This handsome downy woodpecker was zipping up and down the tree trunks looking for breakfast too.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xi02MCUYa_g/WrgbCbF6UdI/AAAAAAAANdA/Dw_e2svQiQ8XoCE63AZbT-bq4GJekFlkwCLcBGAs/s1600/093A1799.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1385" data-original-width="915" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xi02MCUYa_g/WrgbCbF6UdI/AAAAAAAANdA/Dw_e2svQiQ8XoCE63AZbT-bq4GJekFlkwCLcBGAs/s640/093A1799.jpg" width="422" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vNWL5C7885g/WrgbHIcE6XI/AAAAAAAANdQ/U4qQxMzccds0Cq4u7lJ0hkExKoXGyuVFQCLcBGAs/s1600/093A1810.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1137" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vNWL5C7885g/WrgbHIcE6XI/AAAAAAAANdQ/U4qQxMzccds0Cq4u7lJ0hkExKoXGyuVFQCLcBGAs/s640/093A1810.jpg" width="454" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The robins were everywhere!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SudIYaQFJvk/WrgbGCtY-PI/AAAAAAAANdE/xV5MQ2e4JgIkJnsR6_Cnhi77geOeJhONwCLcBGAs/s1600/093A1807.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1115" data-original-width="1600" height="444" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SudIYaQFJvk/WrgbGCtY-PI/AAAAAAAANdE/xV5MQ2e4JgIkJnsR6_Cnhi77geOeJhONwCLcBGAs/s640/093A1807.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> I walked over to see if the ospreys were back for the summer...yup! I was hoping one of them would go fishing in the pond below their nest but they were too busy preening.....</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-U4UL6fKxvZI/WrgbHIIehrI/AAAAAAAANdU/xGqsZ5eQeXoZXIsxZxp4btVA8oPTMGUywCLcBGAs/s1600/093A1854.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1447" data-original-width="1600" height="578" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-U4UL6fKxvZI/WrgbHIIehrI/AAAAAAAANdU/xGqsZ5eQeXoZXIsxZxp4btVA8oPTMGUywCLcBGAs/s640/093A1854.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This ring necked duck was hanging out with a pair of widgeons.....</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-d7VXRNEVcZ4/WrgbHoBQVEI/AAAAAAAANdY/4RQnoquN3UkF1YzrsLkDj_hv5cFBLAg0gCLcBGAs/s1600/093A1874.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1033" data-original-width="1416" height="466" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-d7VXRNEVcZ4/WrgbHoBQVEI/AAAAAAAANdY/4RQnoquN3UkF1YzrsLkDj_hv5cFBLAg0gCLcBGAs/s640/093A1874.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">These lesser goldfinches were all over the place but finally one stopped for a quick pic....</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uJ4xIpafTgM/WrgbIKGPKKI/AAAAAAAANdc/Qff2fuqYbiQs2L_xwC6fzzMXtVfGoDcKgCLcBGAs/s1600/093A1883.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="844" data-original-width="711" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uJ4xIpafTgM/WrgbIKGPKKI/AAAAAAAANdc/Qff2fuqYbiQs2L_xwC6fzzMXtVfGoDcKgCLcBGAs/s640/093A1883.jpg" width="538" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Not much else was going on, so I stopped over at 75th street to see if the dipper was around. Nope! But a cute pair of mallards posed nicely.....</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-By1IRDedzYc/WrgbLmFKCAI/AAAAAAAANdk/VGJf9P5OcjYHLryMWb6ia_SrXi402LxvgCLcBGAs/s1600/093A1890.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="972" data-original-width="1600" height="388" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-By1IRDedzYc/WrgbLmFKCAI/AAAAAAAANdk/VGJf9P5OcjYHLryMWb6ia_SrXi402LxvgCLcBGAs/s640/093A1890.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MdFoWu6eZdg/WrgbLYHRB0I/AAAAAAAANdg/7_wERRTHCQAWOa_uG8WUMxhJOAY1xMW8gCLcBGAs/s1600/093A1905.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="890" data-original-width="1600" height="356" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MdFoWu6eZdg/WrgbLYHRB0I/AAAAAAAANdg/7_wERRTHCQAWOa_uG8WUMxhJOAY1xMW8gCLcBGAs/s640/093A1905.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I headed back over to see my owl friends. My friends Mary and Sherry live nearby, so they met me over there. Now the light was better, so I got a nice shot of Cher in the nest.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aSTPBSikBEM/WrgbPVgKfJI/AAAAAAAANdo/VmGfAlNvmlM-r2T-t_coRYq4Ic00Pz4LQCLcBGAs/s1600/093A1907.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1450" data-original-width="1427" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aSTPBSikBEM/WrgbPVgKfJI/AAAAAAAANdo/VmGfAlNvmlM-r2T-t_coRYq4Ic00Pz4LQCLcBGAs/s640/093A1907.jpg" width="628" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sonny had moved across the path to another sunny spot.........</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9Z0966BIcaE/WrgbPqPXJWI/AAAAAAAANec/TJZowG0VKFo4XtKHsldxKiFvMXVRR7JlgCEwYBhgL/s1600/093A1935.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1340" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9Z0966BIcaE/WrgbPqPXJWI/AAAAAAAANec/TJZowG0VKFo4XtKHsldxKiFvMXVRR7JlgCEwYBhgL/s640/093A1935.jpg" width="534" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A fellow photographer, Bodo, who I've known for years was at the owl nest. He always sets up his camera so people can look into the nest. There were a few people enjoying a beautiful Sunday morning but no other photographers.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Bodo mentioned about the other owl nest down the bike path. My friends had mentioned those owls last year but I never got to see them. So we followed Bodo over there to check it out.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The male GHO was also enjoying the sunny day! I'm pretty sure he's offspring of Sonny and Cher. Just look at him!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oTKizdRHNlk/WrgbPjmeERI/AAAAAAAANds/sJn60k1H8XQpUBvkcGnAIISdxns79RrZQCLcBGAs/s1600/093A1946.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1148" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oTKizdRHNlk/WrgbPjmeERI/AAAAAAAANds/sJn60k1H8XQpUBvkcGnAIISdxns79RrZQCLcBGAs/s640/093A1946.jpg" width="458" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YTdBJBOFlXo/WrgbQ6QklmI/AAAAAAAANeE/Atloi3kIAxIPXWOxjEsEe6Km2_9mYxqiACLcBGAs/s1600/093A1950.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1083" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YTdBJBOFlXo/WrgbQ6QklmI/AAAAAAAANeE/Atloi3kIAxIPXWOxjEsEe6Km2_9mYxqiACLcBGAs/s640/093A1950.jpg" width="432" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The female was tucked into the nest. Thankfully Bodo knew where it was as I never would have spotted it.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-J9BArcP8iQw/WrgbQiRdM5I/AAAAAAAANd8/RsdqTWnrrPYJ4TXvVAsMs90lxTXBJ7q5QCLcBGAs/s1600/093A1961.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1320" data-original-width="1600" height="526" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-J9BArcP8iQw/WrgbQiRdM5I/AAAAAAAANd8/RsdqTWnrrPYJ4TXvVAsMs90lxTXBJ7q5QCLcBGAs/s640/093A1961.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A family of raccoons live a few trees over. There was some movement, so we all hoped a youngster peeked out but no luck. Just a ball of fur....... </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4dKNKMcuaYc/WrgbQ21VfXI/AAAAAAAANeA/n_fRjA8NLYQxKJiCaR7oO7DOW5rW519LwCLcBGAs/s1600/093A1978.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="967" data-original-width="909" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4dKNKMcuaYc/WrgbQ21VfXI/AAAAAAAANeA/n_fRjA8NLYQxKJiCaR7oO7DOW5rW519LwCLcBGAs/s640/093A1978.jpg" width="600" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Well, what a fun morning! Got to enjoy the beautiful day, see my owl friends and my human friends! Hazel got a neighborhood walk and I got to take a well deserved nap!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Thanks for reading!</span>Alexa Boyeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16747241225405199044noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1856431204466871897.post-55953480671980344252018-02-07T19:50:00.001-08:002018-02-07T19:50:26.262-08:00A Fun Day at Coot Lake<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> I wasn't planning to write up a blog today but it was such a fun morning, I just had to share. I noticed last week that some common mergansers were hanging out on Coot lake. I knew they were just passing through and could leave at anytime. So I have been bringing my camera when Hazel and I go for a hike. I got a few decent pics of the common mergansers on Saturday but today I was hoping to get some better pics.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> So Hazel and I hit the trail about 7:30am. It was a bit chilly at around 30' but the sun was shining, so off we went!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This huge cottonwood sometimes hosts a pair of bald eagles but not today.....</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ccob2k90m-I/Wnu-YpSxKZI/AAAAAAAANaY/9hyNZ_SyR74Lqsz0LFz2y6CwBZLa93CFQCLcBGAs/s1600/093A1292.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1271" data-original-width="1600" height="508" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ccob2k90m-I/Wnu-YpSxKZI/AAAAAAAANaY/9hyNZ_SyR74Lqsz0LFz2y6CwBZLa93CFQCLcBGAs/s640/093A1292.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We got to the large wood pile and heard the sweet song of the meadowlark......</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-U-2IIom59GE/Wnu-XXDpscI/AAAAAAAANaU/ZTU1Fyy7sAISB5NEkORn1B8XtptCzQ44ACLcBGAs/s1600/093A1296.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="726" data-original-width="874" height="530" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-U-2IIom59GE/Wnu-XXDpscI/AAAAAAAANaU/ZTU1Fyy7sAISB5NEkORn1B8XtptCzQ44ACLcBGAs/s640/093A1296.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We finally reached the south end of Coot lake and watched a couple of crows taking a bath...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WkITXOo4ggk/Wnu-ZdWSe5I/AAAAAAAANag/e3c6_IAT318c3YwgBbJ-pOHV_UH3bN4ygCLcBGAs/s1600/093A1327.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1469" data-original-width="1600" height="586" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WkITXOo4ggk/Wnu-ZdWSe5I/AAAAAAAANag/e3c6_IAT318c3YwgBbJ-pOHV_UH3bN4ygCLcBGAs/s640/093A1327.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-19yLC7TB5ww/Wnu-ZSkj9pI/AAAAAAAANac/tQV_07YXHFs7JuUfYuTAX_tZc0QFYI-LQCLcBGAs/s1600/093A1328.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1104" data-original-width="1600" height="440" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-19yLC7TB5ww/Wnu-ZSkj9pI/AAAAAAAANac/tQV_07YXHFs7JuUfYuTAX_tZc0QFYI-LQCLcBGAs/s640/093A1328.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We circled around to the east side and I quickly scouted the huge flock of ducks. There were at least 40 redhead ducks! I've seen redheads before but never this many at one time!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There was quite a bit of courting going on as they started to pair up.....</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Y11bQCtMeJM/Wnu-Z8zDh7I/AAAAAAAANao/2nBkbV1hOJMApRlFjQtV2bdCy7GRLwv5QCLcBGAs/s1600/093A1369.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="877" data-original-width="1402" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Y11bQCtMeJM/Wnu-Z8zDh7I/AAAAAAAANao/2nBkbV1hOJMApRlFjQtV2bdCy7GRLwv5QCLcBGAs/s640/093A1369.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TcXYLktLqso/Wnu-ac98eUI/AAAAAAAANa0/VBKkIbvkyYw4OGayBEvu_14IYb0ESaftQCLcBGAs/s1600/093A1372.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="819" data-original-width="1360" height="384" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TcXYLktLqso/Wnu-ac98eUI/AAAAAAAANa0/VBKkIbvkyYw4OGayBEvu_14IYb0ESaftQCLcBGAs/s640/093A1372.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-o6BPFZCBcjw/Wnu-aTC1g8I/AAAAAAAANaw/WMrUyxvLf0gDZsYxzRqiv9_LBmWXR4h2gCLcBGAs/s1600/093A1374.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="839" data-original-width="1574" height="340" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-o6BPFZCBcjw/Wnu-aTC1g8I/AAAAAAAANaw/WMrUyxvLf0gDZsYxzRqiv9_LBmWXR4h2gCLcBGAs/s640/093A1374.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nlSrhZYw-wo/Wnu-gaDKpAI/AAAAAAAANcg/WCHKeZqbEmcUAf2OaS04WzZU3bYkXFNRgCEwYBhgL/s1600/093A1527.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="748" data-original-width="1316" height="362" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nlSrhZYw-wo/Wnu-gaDKpAI/AAAAAAAANcg/WCHKeZqbEmcUAf2OaS04WzZU3bYkXFNRgCEwYBhgL/s640/093A1527.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I thought I was photographing the common mergansers but I quickly realized these were red breasted mergansers! Wow! A life bird for me! I spent at least a 1/2 hour watching and photographing these ducks! Hazel was happy to lay down and enjoy the beautiful day while I took a million pics!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Wx-EgqcLGdo/Wnu-buuG5nI/AAAAAAAANa8/wRFu2Z44oVY1pvv8S_37TVwWLvLj0wfPQCLcBGAs/s1600/093A1396.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="694" data-original-width="1564" height="282" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Wx-EgqcLGdo/Wnu-buuG5nI/AAAAAAAANa8/wRFu2Z44oVY1pvv8S_37TVwWLvLj0wfPQCLcBGAs/s640/093A1396.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8284OvJJoLY/Wnu-bgrZfqI/AAAAAAAANbE/_vBd3PFLKF4ycMb_VS0VVi4Q3wgQMDBtQCLcBGAs/s1600/093A1411.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="544" data-original-width="1092" height="318" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8284OvJJoLY/Wnu-bgrZfqI/AAAAAAAANbE/_vBd3PFLKF4ycMb_VS0VVi4Q3wgQMDBtQCLcBGAs/s640/093A1411.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AMcS5x1r6W8/Wnu-ctyh3HI/AAAAAAAANbM/zokm7brwEMQRGwIUHzJqkZB7sLUlR30hwCLcBGAs/s1600/093A1432.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="618" data-original-width="1117" height="354" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AMcS5x1r6W8/Wnu-ctyh3HI/AAAAAAAANbM/zokm7brwEMQRGwIUHzJqkZB7sLUlR30hwCLcBGAs/s640/093A1432.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tvbSQMksv5k/Wnu-d737xPI/AAAAAAAANbQ/Xf5JEDG1-YUc07auOp3kNO8G5xFFGyvPACLcBGAs/s1600/093A1440.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="699" data-original-width="592" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tvbSQMksv5k/Wnu-d737xPI/AAAAAAAANbQ/Xf5JEDG1-YUc07auOp3kNO8G5xFFGyvPACLcBGAs/s400/093A1440.jpg" width="338" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hd4TUeyAChc/Wnu-d4xGHCI/AAAAAAAANbU/s4Zfd4PQJowbdIEfcsXb6ifpKelIkKX-ACLcBGAs/s1600/093A1441.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="628" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hd4TUeyAChc/Wnu-d4xGHCI/AAAAAAAANbU/s4Zfd4PQJowbdIEfcsXb6ifpKelIkKX-ACLcBGAs/s400/093A1441.jpg" width="367" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iOzLGnMYf0o/Wnu-e7n7TxI/AAAAAAAANbc/2-AAvjj-iVktX0r4PzZzx_VZF_rJeC-tQCLcBGAs/s1600/093A1442.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="645" data-original-width="760" height="338" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iOzLGnMYf0o/Wnu-e7n7TxI/AAAAAAAANbc/2-AAvjj-iVktX0r4PzZzx_VZF_rJeC-tQCLcBGAs/s400/093A1442.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HEJ3pcToxOo/Wnu-epkKRLI/AAAAAAAANbY/7gEOf5QKKscVlY9yFDZbJSg938CHDISPwCLcBGAs/s1600/093A1444.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="498" data-original-width="1011" height="314" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HEJ3pcToxOo/Wnu-epkKRLI/AAAAAAAANbY/7gEOf5QKKscVlY9yFDZbJSg938CHDISPwCLcBGAs/s640/093A1444.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LGyFTiMmmv4/Wnu-fKE-7FI/AAAAAAAANbg/e4KAPBcpesI8icaCzoIYgnj97gmESmJlgCLcBGAs/s1600/093A1449.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="678" data-original-width="1213" height="356" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LGyFTiMmmv4/Wnu-fKE-7FI/AAAAAAAANbg/e4KAPBcpesI8icaCzoIYgnj97gmESmJlgCLcBGAs/s640/093A1449.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2AKfDUIADxU/Wnu-fTQ2rLI/AAAAAAAANbk/BempF0Hr6McOpohjAcqcm24hkOoRiGhNQCLcBGAs/s1600/093A1493.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="594" data-original-width="1120" height="338" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2AKfDUIADxU/Wnu-fTQ2rLI/AAAAAAAANbk/BempF0Hr6McOpohjAcqcm24hkOoRiGhNQCLcBGAs/s640/093A1493.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There were a few common mergansers on the other side of the lake and finally one got close enough for a pic.....</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-seDlQabzPFU/Wnu-fQDu9MI/AAAAAAAANbo/38Yt7OyS9C8uMW_z5G0QFS6TcV4D8FzuACLcBGAs/s1600/093A1500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="560" data-original-width="1074" height="332" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-seDlQabzPFU/Wnu-fQDu9MI/AAAAAAAANbo/38Yt7OyS9C8uMW_z5G0QFS6TcV4D8FzuACLcBGAs/s640/093A1500.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This guy was a bit far away for decent pics but I had to try as he was gulping down a big ol fish!</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_dE6TdPlUUU/Wnu-guYPC1I/AAAAAAAANb0/9FN3iusniW8d6iZlp97QkiQ12uyFV4iVwCLcBGAs/s1600/093A1542.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="490" data-original-width="500" height="391" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_dE6TdPlUUU/Wnu-guYPC1I/AAAAAAAANb0/9FN3iusniW8d6iZlp97QkiQ12uyFV4iVwCLcBGAs/s400/093A1542.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8jfP-4gS98M/Wnu-gnl-o7I/AAAAAAAANb4/vIuYUaZVkiYlW3reVoi7z4Onq06Bl3JsACLcBGAs/s1600/093A1556.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="392" data-original-width="619" height="252" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8jfP-4gS98M/Wnu-gnl-o7I/AAAAAAAANb4/vIuYUaZVkiYlW3reVoi7z4Onq06Bl3JsACLcBGAs/s400/093A1556.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A Wednesday morning view.....</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZeF88dYaQdw/Wnu-iJpXrSI/AAAAAAAANcE/WrX1C4mK2XUPQZiAaDSYnKIol8uAXOWPgCLcBGAs/s1600/093A1564.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="974" data-original-width="1600" height="388" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZeF88dYaQdw/Wnu-iJpXrSI/AAAAAAAANcE/WrX1C4mK2XUPQZiAaDSYnKIol8uAXOWPgCLcBGAs/s640/093A1564.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Finally it was time to head home, so we hiked back to the car. As I was getting Hazel in the car in the parking lot, a couple of guys getting ready to go running, noticed my camera. They told me they'd seen a bald eagle eating something on Monarch road just a few minutes ago. I quickly thanked them and I drove over as quick as possible.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Wow! Well I found him/her but it wasn't a bald eagle, it was a golden eagle! I know they are around but I don't see them too often. So this was fantastic! He/she was a bit far out in the field for a good pic, but I had to give it a go. The magpie was hanging around hoping for leftovers.....</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TAnXUuQ_o3U/Wnu-h-rLDCI/AAAAAAAANb8/cZb7DHFFtZo1ehH_xuSR_EMCDWW86oacgCLcBGAs/s1600/093A1623.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="871" data-original-width="1600" height="347" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TAnXUuQ_o3U/Wnu-h-rLDCI/AAAAAAAANb8/cZb7DHFFtZo1ehH_xuSR_EMCDWW86oacgCLcBGAs/s640/093A1623.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When the eagle was done eating, he/she flew in a nearby tree and I able to get a few more pics!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ycf0aNV92Yg/Wnu-isCQLgI/AAAAAAAANcI/f3IFAZOEi_QcneS-VvuLwtnqhW9Xq9NyQCLcBGAs/s1600/093A1673.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="776" data-original-width="977" height="508" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ycf0aNV92Yg/Wnu-isCQLgI/AAAAAAAANcI/f3IFAZOEi_QcneS-VvuLwtnqhW9Xq9NyQCLcBGAs/s640/093A1673.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Look at that wingspan!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oBo-oeSq288/Wnu-jNNe_YI/AAAAAAAANcM/D_-W8nRq4-0ffGjzZm2P0kwY5WUa3yaCgCLcBGAs/s1600/093A1698.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="534" data-original-width="1600" height="212" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oBo-oeSq288/Wnu-jNNe_YI/AAAAAAAANcM/D_-W8nRq4-0ffGjzZm2P0kwY5WUa3yaCgCLcBGAs/s640/093A1698.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Who would have guessed that a ordinary hike around Coot lake would lead to such exciting sightings of the red breasted mergansers and a golden eagle too!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">That's why I live here! Colorado is a beautiful place to enjoy the outdoors!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Thanks for reading!</span>Alexa Boyeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16747241225405199044noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1856431204466871897.post-72287294921193478682018-02-02T19:09:00.000-08:002018-02-02T19:09:11.285-08:00It's Owl Season<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Yea! It's officially owl season! Cher is on the nest! And there was a very interesting turn of events. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My owl friends, Sonny and Cher chose a new nesting site last year after using the same nest for about 8 years. So I figured they'd use the new nest again this year but instead they moved back into their old nest. I was curious as to why, so as I drove to Boulder I checked in with Cher......</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here's what I got: </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> She said the new nest was too sterile and cold feeling. Makes sense as </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> they had moved to the golf course which is very manicured.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> She missed having us humans around enjoying them raise their young.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> She felt the old nest area was better suited to keep an eye on the owlets </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> when they left the nest.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Very cool!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> I got to the nest area about 4:45pm. I couldn't tell if Cher was on the nest as it's much deeper than in previous years. But after a minute or so, I heard Sonny hoot and Cher answered him from deep in the nest! So I knew she was home!!!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It took a bit but finally spotted Sonny sitting high in one of their favorite trees.......</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WhTSq5K4Yfk/WnUi7zRl4FI/AAAAAAAANZ0/bv_r-OxvV28zQsiJ6FIbcmpmiHAh7cBJQCLcBGAs/s1600/093A1044.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1414" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WhTSq5K4Yfk/WnUi7zRl4FI/AAAAAAAANZ0/bv_r-OxvV28zQsiJ6FIbcmpmiHAh7cBJQCLcBGAs/s640/093A1044.jpg" width="564" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Myself and a few friends were enjoying listening to the owls hoot back and forth. Then just as it was getting dark, Cher decided it was time to take a break from sitting on her nest.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-F0Gi0Vr8Zfs/WnUi7q3wQRI/AAAAAAAANZw/DWL_FLVrehgkcxctVqdDjvkvS6wvzc3JwCLcBGAs/s1600/093A1052.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1304" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-F0Gi0Vr8Zfs/WnUi7q3wQRI/AAAAAAAANZw/DWL_FLVrehgkcxctVqdDjvkvS6wvzc3JwCLcBGAs/s640/093A1052.jpg" width="520" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4oIuatyHFR4/WnUjFqAu7WI/AAAAAAAANZ8/y-eD77OZfFEXne9VLkeVGSInFPnzi-BUgCLcBGAs/s1600/093A1057.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1149" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4oIuatyHFR4/WnUjFqAu7WI/AAAAAAAANZ8/y-eD77OZfFEXne9VLkeVGSInFPnzi-BUgCLcBGAs/s640/093A1057.jpg" width="457" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">She flew along the creek to an overhanging branch where Sonny met her for a brief mating session.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-edtLZMnoHDM/WnUi_n7ExZI/AAAAAAAANZ4/Qe2J2onLBd0YdO8qFk0VjHFfXHCyAYdCwCLcBGAs/s1600/093A1060.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1153" data-original-width="1600" height="460" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-edtLZMnoHDM/WnUi_n7ExZI/AAAAAAAANZ4/Qe2J2onLBd0YdO8qFk0VjHFfXHCyAYdCwCLcBGAs/s640/093A1060.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Then she flew closer to us and landed on a branch.....we all appreciated and understood she was honoring us with her presence and was happy to see us!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Oh yeah, it's gonna be a fun owl season! Stay tuned!</span></div>
<br />Alexa Boyeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16747241225405199044noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1856431204466871897.post-14699072337775182072018-01-01T10:54:00.000-08:002018-01-01T10:54:08.312-08:002017- the year in review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Happy New Year! I have had a long standing tradition of hiking with my dog on new years day. It started with Molly dog and now with Hazel dog. Then when I got into doing wildlife photography, I included that in my new years tradition. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Originally, I was going to look for the snowy owl that had been hanging around Standley lake. But after checking the birding websites last night, it looked like no one had seen him in a day or two. So plan B was to go to Walden ponds this morning and do some photographing.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When I got up this morning, it was very cloudy which is not good for photographing wildlife. So on to plan C.......take Hazel for a new years day hike and bring my camera just in case I see something.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We headed over to Boulder Valley Ranch and were the first ones there! It was a balmy 12' as we set out to celebrate the new year! The hike was very fun but there was no wildlife to be seen except for a couple of magpies. Even the prairie dogs were still snoozing. I did want to do a new years day post and an idea came to me to do a year in review! So we headed home and after some coffee, I went through my 2017 posts and chose a variety of photos</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">to share. 2017 was a good year and I am looking forward to 2018 being a great year!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Enjoy the photos and thanks for reading my blog! Much appreciated!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Happy New Year!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-msPUPgqTsLQ/Wkp1rMpl90I/AAAAAAAANWo/ymz2mIfhifwudqqd7XpZ2jNrAfNDHGw8QCLcBGAs/s1600/093A0289.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="584" data-original-width="640" height="582" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-msPUPgqTsLQ/Wkp1rMpl90I/AAAAAAAANWo/ymz2mIfhifwudqqd7XpZ2jNrAfNDHGw8QCLcBGAs/s640/093A0289.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Xo5auYiKtS0/Wkp8mgqWbxI/AAAAAAAANZU/nLxA2XDfY3ENG2THP5QPdiaikCNoXyLCwCLcBGAs/s1600/093A0086.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="505" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Xo5auYiKtS0/Wkp8mgqWbxI/AAAAAAAANZU/nLxA2XDfY3ENG2THP5QPdiaikCNoXyLCwCLcBGAs/s640/093A0086.jpg" width="504" /></a><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QDA9tgp3e_I/Wkp8mzHamHI/AAAAAAAANZY/Mxnt6s0Q4E8XkMBdwSCg22O7_Pvuo8SeACLcBGAs/s1600/093A0076.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="598" data-original-width="640" height="596" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QDA9tgp3e_I/Wkp8mzHamHI/AAAAAAAANZY/Mxnt6s0Q4E8XkMBdwSCg22O7_Pvuo8SeACLcBGAs/s640/093A0076.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IrkxGBGj6_0/Wkp8mse6Y9I/AAAAAAAANZQ/CTeorHT1lq8SkmQqfuSuylFMw5ktbvMvQCLcBGAs/s1600/093A0235.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="418" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IrkxGBGj6_0/Wkp8mse6Y9I/AAAAAAAANZQ/CTeorHT1lq8SkmQqfuSuylFMw5ktbvMvQCLcBGAs/s640/093A0235.jpg" width="416" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dlNFsoPA8uM/Wkp8n_ou7zI/AAAAAAAANZc/Lpghx635ovocUnSAN2U-3yxTLW7dA2VsACLcBGAs/s1600/093A8234.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1477" data-original-width="1600" height="590" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dlNFsoPA8uM/Wkp8n_ou7zI/AAAAAAAANZc/Lpghx635ovocUnSAN2U-3yxTLW7dA2VsACLcBGAs/s640/093A8234.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KV2LRzKngnY/Wkp1rLfi9RI/AAAAAAAANWs/GzRhVbI7xfszJRO6OpeZ9st9BLLH0E8tACLcBGAs/s1600/093A0454.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="390" data-original-width="640" height="390" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KV2LRzKngnY/Wkp1rLfi9RI/AAAAAAAANWs/GzRhVbI7xfszJRO6OpeZ9st9BLLH0E8tACLcBGAs/s640/093A0454.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VYo2xEbBRus/Wkp1rXiJAoI/AAAAAAAANWw/gKx0erEGyEIL2il3_7sHF8gVk84iNqzkQCLcBGAs/s1600/093A0475.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="465" data-original-width="640" height="290" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VYo2xEbBRus/Wkp1rXiJAoI/AAAAAAAANWw/gKx0erEGyEIL2il3_7sHF8gVk84iNqzkQCLcBGAs/s400/093A0475.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5_wsapsihYU/Wkp1rlie6AI/AAAAAAAANW0/Idk1c6MFqV4tmNe3m3StowNR5ROFZSIrACLcBGAs/s1600/093A0575.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="602" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5_wsapsihYU/Wkp1rlie6AI/AAAAAAAANW0/Idk1c6MFqV4tmNe3m3StowNR5ROFZSIrACLcBGAs/s640/093A0575.jpg" width="602" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W4cmcKf7t9E/Wkp1r9g1HPI/AAAAAAAANW4/Bxt7Z3A8VfYYkAkd24U0xN6y9ySJ9mpIACLcBGAs/s1600/093A4207.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="476" data-original-width="640" height="297" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W4cmcKf7t9E/Wkp1r9g1HPI/AAAAAAAANW4/Bxt7Z3A8VfYYkAkd24U0xN6y9ySJ9mpIACLcBGAs/s400/093A4207.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ivX0u0N2u1c/Wkp1r-O2d3I/AAAAAAAANW8/nOZ_Nr-BsIk74HP9OumU1LqNqfxShfw2QCLcBGAs/s1600/093A4468.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="384" data-original-width="640" height="384" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ivX0u0N2u1c/Wkp1r-O2d3I/AAAAAAAANW8/nOZ_Nr-BsIk74HP9OumU1LqNqfxShfw2QCLcBGAs/s640/093A4468.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uw5fNoe1yyY/Wkp1sFiv7GI/AAAAAAAANXA/0bqvS2CCbmw3jZUz9i7B3brvv25P74vtgCLcBGAs/s1600/093A4545.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="362" data-original-width="640" height="362" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uw5fNoe1yyY/Wkp1sFiv7GI/AAAAAAAANXA/0bqvS2CCbmw3jZUz9i7B3brvv25P74vtgCLcBGAs/s640/093A4545.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XpHbAaSh1rE/Wkp1sV2qloI/AAAAAAAANXE/37ydJHcaTJYqnZRnA3bYm2JaY-_PXm4kwCLcBGAs/s1600/093A4598.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="520" data-original-width="640" height="520" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XpHbAaSh1rE/Wkp1sV2qloI/AAAAAAAANXE/37ydJHcaTJYqnZRnA3bYm2JaY-_PXm4kwCLcBGAs/s640/093A4598.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gBCh2Wzmun4/Wkp1stdudyI/AAAAAAAANXI/4EH13MV7ghMfZJDa7BPY5VPawnSZ0KO_ACLcBGAs/s1600/093A5085.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="414" data-original-width="640" height="414" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gBCh2Wzmun4/Wkp1stdudyI/AAAAAAAANXI/4EH13MV7ghMfZJDa7BPY5VPawnSZ0KO_ACLcBGAs/s640/093A5085.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L3J4w_Gvriw/Wkp1sni9cII/AAAAAAAANXM/VU1IPDCDrDYCNF3QcoovyxXDS1vX-EyXACLcBGAs/s1600/093A5131.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="497" data-original-width="640" height="496" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L3J4w_Gvriw/Wkp1sni9cII/AAAAAAAANXM/VU1IPDCDrDYCNF3QcoovyxXDS1vX-EyXACLcBGAs/s640/093A5131.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pogYHoa9oWo/Wkp1s50yKdI/AAAAAAAANXQ/IGMaACOpBmcVFLXpdvA8a0SW1qSPsrdpgCLcBGAs/s1600/093A5295.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="464" data-original-width="640" height="290" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pogYHoa9oWo/Wkp1s50yKdI/AAAAAAAANXQ/IGMaACOpBmcVFLXpdvA8a0SW1qSPsrdpgCLcBGAs/s400/093A5295.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MrQQQBuEB8o/Wkp1s7B5h2I/AAAAAAAANXU/ehkYDBlMv1QV_0dAKAsPHWfLkeQhWpe2wCLcBGAs/s1600/093A5396.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="478" data-original-width="640" height="478" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MrQQQBuEB8o/Wkp1s7B5h2I/AAAAAAAANXU/ehkYDBlMv1QV_0dAKAsPHWfLkeQhWpe2wCLcBGAs/s640/093A5396.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wtRYkp0kxBw/Wkp1tXAX6WI/AAAAAAAANXY/J9oRWn0UU_kTVIL3AdDDa_3gsGbSDVR8wCLcBGAs/s1600/093A5982.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="520" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wtRYkp0kxBw/Wkp1tXAX6WI/AAAAAAAANXY/J9oRWn0UU_kTVIL3AdDDa_3gsGbSDVR8wCLcBGAs/s640/093A5982.jpg" width="520" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eN2qYAnnP-I/Wkp1tcGXymI/AAAAAAAANXc/yxfANuU8sVQyJYmcj4jPHbksiuM1bHFbACLcBGAs/s1600/093A6237.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="590" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eN2qYAnnP-I/Wkp1tcGXymI/AAAAAAAANXc/yxfANuU8sVQyJYmcj4jPHbksiuM1bHFbACLcBGAs/s640/093A6237.jpg" width="590" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-St64ALs565g/Wkp1t5H8dUI/AAAAAAAANXg/SASdokkW8QskM0MbEGdsxMZ_QMOscdfqgCLcBGAs/s1600/093A6419.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="586" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-St64ALs565g/Wkp1t5H8dUI/AAAAAAAANXg/SASdokkW8QskM0MbEGdsxMZ_QMOscdfqgCLcBGAs/s640/093A6419.jpg" width="586" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-90MX8LFaxTU/Wkp1uDnxhPI/AAAAAAAANXo/Vi5N-2us-Ok7X5J2OHhnaSSK5fiy6CuugCLcBGAs/s1600/093A6437.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="588" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-90MX8LFaxTU/Wkp1uDnxhPI/AAAAAAAANXo/Vi5N-2us-Ok7X5J2OHhnaSSK5fiy6CuugCLcBGAs/s640/093A6437.jpg" width="588" /></a><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-n9vhr-DcMj4/Wkp1t4nG_RI/AAAAAAAANXk/vc_7l8Xzo3cVDXnwzSM0tFN-0N-uIEOyQCLcBGAs/s1600/093A6433.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="483" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-n9vhr-DcMj4/Wkp1t4nG_RI/AAAAAAAANXk/vc_7l8Xzo3cVDXnwzSM0tFN-0N-uIEOyQCLcBGAs/s640/093A6433.jpg" width="482" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6v128RJOEk8/Wkp1uQ8JQiI/AAAAAAAANX0/SJYaA9m0srs9q8zQXYAnm3JF3VsGE8roQCLcBGAs/s1600/093A7016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="559" data-original-width="640" height="558" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6v128RJOEk8/Wkp1uQ8JQiI/AAAAAAAANX0/SJYaA9m0srs9q8zQXYAnm3JF3VsGE8roQCLcBGAs/s640/093A7016.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-473t4hd3_PA/Wkp1uFuTZuI/AAAAAAAANXs/iYBc1XrtUDEdh0baQyt1A-Ey1BWEG71FwCLcBGAs/s1600/093A6541.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="518" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-473t4hd3_PA/Wkp1uFuTZuI/AAAAAAAANXs/iYBc1XrtUDEdh0baQyt1A-Ey1BWEG71FwCLcBGAs/s640/093A6541.jpg" width="518" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jhATknB-AT4/Wkp1uQsZauI/AAAAAAAANXw/XH9zyP2efmc8Y0O6sD3SpcUzexjxNH3uACLcBGAs/s1600/093A6583.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="533" data-original-width="640" height="532" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jhATknB-AT4/Wkp1uQsZauI/AAAAAAAANXw/XH9zyP2efmc8Y0O6sD3SpcUzexjxNH3uACLcBGAs/s640/093A6583.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-52LfSqyV5XU/Wkp1upqvEWI/AAAAAAAANX4/vSLOA-msiMoYUKY9kJC_L9aNkj7Ta__WQCLcBGAs/s1600/093A7098.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="489" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-52LfSqyV5XU/Wkp1upqvEWI/AAAAAAAANX4/vSLOA-msiMoYUKY9kJC_L9aNkj7Ta__WQCLcBGAs/s640/093A7098.jpg" width="488" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dpGAfMfC8vo/Wkp1u3zhUDI/AAAAAAAANX8/2Lwas4kk4VolFW5SzqqSLO3-7GWSP-5NQCLcBGAs/s1600/093A7252.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="453" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dpGAfMfC8vo/Wkp1u3zhUDI/AAAAAAAANX8/2Lwas4kk4VolFW5SzqqSLO3-7GWSP-5NQCLcBGAs/s640/093A7252.jpg" width="452" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wxnjfsHngXE/Wkp1vBby7GI/AAAAAAAANYA/8obunbCD9Kcyq5mumfAEBIlEAzKaFErfwCLcBGAs/s1600/093A8382.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="360" data-original-width="640" height="360" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wxnjfsHngXE/Wkp1vBby7GI/AAAAAAAANYA/8obunbCD9Kcyq5mumfAEBIlEAzKaFErfwCLcBGAs/s640/093A8382.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Rvd7DPnE00M/Wkp1vbESn2I/AAAAAAAANYE/wXtXj-QrPsELj_STSI0X1RrThWDZjzYQgCLcBGAs/s1600/093A8482.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="452" data-original-width="640" height="452" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Rvd7DPnE00M/Wkp1vbESn2I/AAAAAAAANYE/wXtXj-QrPsELj_STSI0X1RrThWDZjzYQgCLcBGAs/s640/093A8482.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-43n6ic6BerA/Wkp1vcKvzHI/AAAAAAAANYI/Kf_l-plA0K0jr8zlhSz0cDR74DY8CrqZACLcBGAs/s1600/093A8587.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="470" data-original-width="640" height="470" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-43n6ic6BerA/Wkp1vcKvzHI/AAAAAAAANYI/Kf_l-plA0K0jr8zlhSz0cDR74DY8CrqZACLcBGAs/s640/093A8587.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yhaNyh2N1XM/Wkp1vvsRpPI/AAAAAAAANYM/746JAsnRmXAqWaFbMBU5hKrf3tXDjP9AgCLcBGAs/s1600/093A8662.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="495" data-original-width="640" height="494" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yhaNyh2N1XM/Wkp1vvsRpPI/AAAAAAAANYM/746JAsnRmXAqWaFbMBU5hKrf3tXDjP9AgCLcBGAs/s640/093A8662.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fEPH5GF4Y6Y/Wkp1wczo8hI/AAAAAAAANYg/2QbJPPIRZ18KOcirm7_epwDzDADvgtSYQCLcBGAs/s1600/093A9376.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="473" data-original-width="640" height="472" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fEPH5GF4Y6Y/Wkp1wczo8hI/AAAAAAAANYg/2QbJPPIRZ18KOcirm7_epwDzDADvgtSYQCLcBGAs/s640/093A9376.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jHiBMCB6uAk/Wkp1vhLMN3I/AAAAAAAANYQ/IVaQet9Dy0k58e6JomD8GErrCZCXCtqYwCLcBGAs/s1600/093A8767.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="421" data-original-width="640" height="420" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jHiBMCB6uAk/Wkp1vhLMN3I/AAAAAAAANYQ/IVaQet9Dy0k58e6JomD8GErrCZCXCtqYwCLcBGAs/s640/093A8767.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hPJd1c1CUTk/Wkp1v8bxX2I/AAAAAAAANYU/AtnRmZtY94wSHUssR9smPEciNc20DgBxgCLcBGAs/s1600/093A8846.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="459" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hPJd1c1CUTk/Wkp1v8bxX2I/AAAAAAAANYU/AtnRmZtY94wSHUssR9smPEciNc20DgBxgCLcBGAs/s640/093A8846.jpg" width="458" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CTroWNKxxMc/Wkp1v8V3amI/AAAAAAAANYY/9PTm9J4ZovEK1RHrRq2_XIz0euNLOwfMwCLcBGAs/s1600/093A8936.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="385" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CTroWNKxxMc/Wkp1v8V3amI/AAAAAAAANYY/9PTm9J4ZovEK1RHrRq2_XIz0euNLOwfMwCLcBGAs/s640/093A8936.jpg" width="384" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ttmPhpHJ7i0/Wkp1xM-Mi5I/AAAAAAAANYs/JfW7IPyXTWYFBXzFb3JSpBjxAa9eeFwJACLcBGAs/s1600/093A9699.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="495" data-original-width="640" height="494" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ttmPhpHJ7i0/Wkp1xM-Mi5I/AAAAAAAANYs/JfW7IPyXTWYFBXzFb3JSpBjxAa9eeFwJACLcBGAs/s640/093A9699.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IVMVSczJCSg/Wkp1xZa0TnI/AAAAAAAANYw/KvVBFXRc_IALljV1G2HTA8YD6oIXV1F6wCLcBGAs/s1600/093A9753.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="515" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IVMVSczJCSg/Wkp1xZa0TnI/AAAAAAAANYw/KvVBFXRc_IALljV1G2HTA8YD6oIXV1F6wCLcBGAs/s640/093A9753.jpg" width="514" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-acEfjusDK2w/Wkp1xmilLqI/AAAAAAAANY4/TE5W35-SW3oaY_J-ihEL3_MeVPUyA13dACLcBGAs/s1600/Image-1%2B9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="350" data-original-width="640" height="350" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-acEfjusDK2w/Wkp1xmilLqI/AAAAAAAANY4/TE5W35-SW3oaY_J-ihEL3_MeVPUyA13dACLcBGAs/s640/Image-1%2B9.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nPeypfNRpdg/Wkp1xYVFScI/AAAAAAAANY0/fd5l_kqNsZkSDeOdeWie0H0RUz_qE9OrQCLcBGAs/s1600/Image-1%2B13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="477" data-original-width="640" height="476" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nPeypfNRpdg/Wkp1xYVFScI/AAAAAAAANY0/fd5l_kqNsZkSDeOdeWie0H0RUz_qE9OrQCLcBGAs/s640/Image-1%2B13.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qfIgm_2r0Mg/Wkp1wF5h-OI/AAAAAAAANYc/Y-yB1BFUgNQ3K3Tro-syUhpqhY40sirPgCLcBGAs/s1600/093A9242.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="587" data-original-width="640" height="586" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qfIgm_2r0Mg/Wkp1wF5h-OI/AAAAAAAANYc/Y-yB1BFUgNQ3K3Tro-syUhpqhY40sirPgCLcBGAs/s640/093A9242.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Pzj2rD8t7NY/Wkp1wwUqDDI/AAAAAAAANYo/b1ArA25twickNDZ1I2rX4fmYNwkNK3BqACLcBGAs/s1600/093A9665.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="436" data-original-width="640" height="436" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Pzj2rD8t7NY/Wkp1wwUqDDI/AAAAAAAANYo/b1ArA25twickNDZ1I2rX4fmYNwkNK3BqACLcBGAs/s640/093A9665.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />Alexa Boyeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16747241225405199044noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1856431204466871897.post-48718208437560282942017-12-31T17:23:00.001-08:002017-12-31T17:23:29.468-08:00Happy New Year! 1<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/rUDkW_yOLQ0" width="480"></iframe>Alexa Boyeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16747241225405199044noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1856431204466871897.post-73461672900160836742017-12-16T11:49:00.001-08:002017-12-16T11:49:34.154-08:00Merry Christmas<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/stay75c-spQ" width="480"></iframe>Alexa Boyeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16747241225405199044noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1856431204466871897.post-69082654813357894902017-10-29T18:11:00.000-07:002017-10-29T19:43:27.823-07:00The Gull Show <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I had not been down to my favorite place since the total eclipse, so it was definitely time! The weather looked perfect too! Temps were in the low 40's when I left the house and we supposed to reach around 70' by lunch time. Tomorrow is a different story! A cold front is supposed to come through tonight, so tomorrow's high will be in the high 20's. Crazy I know but that's Colorado weather !</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So with coffee in hand, I headed down to see what was going on at my favorite place. I was surprised to see the cormorants were still around. They should be migrating south any day now!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WkAWviNPePs/WfZuKX1iasI/AAAAAAAANTo/tY6Ov-oUICsJA6zY0RsOFNx4c3f-3r6HwCLcBGAs/s1600/093A0294.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1525" data-original-width="1600" height="608" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WkAWviNPePs/WfZuKX1iasI/AAAAAAAANTo/tY6Ov-oUICsJA6zY0RsOFNx4c3f-3r6HwCLcBGAs/s640/093A0294.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">There were quite a few ring billed gulls around which is not unusual but seeing these two sitting there looked like a cute pic to me.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Y7ZoMDgo_SQ/WfZuKX7FYKI/AAAAAAAANTs/YWpdjKxqKnAK2cmJeTo30iq7UvZoKDlEgCLcBGAs/s1600/093A0298.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="890" data-original-width="1319" height="430" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Y7ZoMDgo_SQ/WfZuKX7FYKI/AAAAAAAANTs/YWpdjKxqKnAK2cmJeTo30iq7UvZoKDlEgCLcBGAs/s640/093A0298.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We get lots of water fowl that winter around here. Such as the northern shovelers. They were so busy eating, I went for the butt shot!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tgWuSna5Wqk/WfZuK-4MlRI/AAAAAAAANTw/T-zgIkw5iW4gZtbKJ18s0i08rcwQkfKmACLcBGAs/s1600/093A0308.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="978" data-original-width="1600" height="390" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tgWuSna5Wqk/WfZuK-4MlRI/AAAAAAAANTw/T-zgIkw5iW4gZtbKJ18s0i08rcwQkfKmACLcBGAs/s640/093A0308.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The gadwalls are around all year but I do see them more in the winter time.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--PQPWEgHyiw/WfZuLJsJynI/AAAAAAAANT0/vo1vwI5c2vAPQdsuDR5CGgahRzgdUilbQCLcBGAs/s1600/093A0327.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1061" data-original-width="1207" height="562" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--PQPWEgHyiw/WfZuLJsJynI/AAAAAAAANT0/vo1vwI5c2vAPQdsuDR5CGgahRzgdUilbQCLcBGAs/s640/093A0327.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Hooded mergansers are so damn cute! Here is mrs. merganser...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fwOBNg5u9n4/WfZuLYZBugI/AAAAAAAANT4/2CeMCOBWejghUyLeCLeqfTQiQJRliEVEgCLcBGAs/s1600/093A0354.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="994" data-original-width="1169" height="544" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fwOBNg5u9n4/WfZuLYZBugI/AAAAAAAANT4/2CeMCOBWejghUyLeCLeqfTQiQJRliEVEgCLcBGAs/s640/093A0354.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">And here's Mr. merganser. There were two males and one female on the back pond. They were enjoying some crayfish for breakfast.....</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Mp105-71Qeg/WfZuLTewlBI/AAAAAAAANT8/fxhoFiMm4d4E66hERcsGwxDswDbcN5BHACLcBGAs/s1600/093A0359.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="497" data-original-width="901" height="352" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Mp105-71Qeg/WfZuLTewlBI/AAAAAAAANT8/fxhoFiMm4d4E66hERcsGwxDswDbcN5BHACLcBGAs/s640/093A0359.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QTMCwaznvj4/WfZuLqV_S9I/AAAAAAAANUA/m9faW8lIej4dQMKiGYze7_mURJjKwjEcQCLcBGAs/s1600/093A0382.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="719" data-original-width="1080" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QTMCwaznvj4/WfZuLqV_S9I/AAAAAAAANUA/m9faW8lIej4dQMKiGYze7_mURJjKwjEcQCLcBGAs/s640/093A0382.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZOmQBZMLczg/WfZuLiLf6KI/AAAAAAAANUE/JOYjXT3HXT4Z3CductsiMZO-gRb0CSVlQCLcBGAs/s1600/093A0439.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="459" data-original-width="827" height="221" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZOmQBZMLczg/WfZuLiLf6KI/AAAAAAAANUE/JOYjXT3HXT4Z3CductsiMZO-gRb0CSVlQCLcBGAs/s400/093A0439.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">That green head of the mallard just glowed in the morning sun!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f_PLjc5-DO4/WfZuMENymXI/AAAAAAAANUM/GbwxzuZoskAYtcOIkIu3h1wvSkvTcDg-wCLcBGAs/s1600/093A0454.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="974" data-original-width="1600" height="388" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f_PLjc5-DO4/WfZuMENymXI/AAAAAAAANUM/GbwxzuZoskAYtcOIkIu3h1wvSkvTcDg-wCLcBGAs/s640/093A0454.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I saw a flock of small birds. Finally one posed for me! It's a dark eyed junco!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CLaM8qGhVek/WfZuMcxclHI/AAAAAAAANUQ/x3SJZcf2o-YognOf4j4Ly1-SxotDqd_jACLcBGAs/s1600/093A0475.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="854" data-original-width="1175" height="464" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CLaM8qGhVek/WfZuMcxclHI/AAAAAAAANUQ/x3SJZcf2o-YognOf4j4Ly1-SxotDqd_jACLcBGAs/s640/093A0475.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Here's a northern shoveler......</span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tGXe9Sr86NI/WfZuOGyYjtI/AAAAAAAANUc/CQ6Dfd0H-Ms_JxjO34MngrvmrkknVjc6QCLcBGAs/s1600/093A0509.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="994" data-original-width="1600" height="396" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tGXe9Sr86NI/WfZuOGyYjtI/AAAAAAAANUc/CQ6Dfd0H-Ms_JxjO34MngrvmrkknVjc6QCLcBGAs/s640/093A0509.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Irn1aWVZddE/WfZuOxgSDOI/AAAAAAAANVU/CsoYRYMmlvs65UQ5IV9yTcUoyvg-LmDHQCEwYBhgL/s1600/093A0522.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="828" data-original-width="1078" height="490" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Irn1aWVZddE/WfZuOxgSDOI/AAAAAAAANVU/CsoYRYMmlvs65UQ5IV9yTcUoyvg-LmDHQCEwYBhgL/s640/093A0522.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">And this is a female gadwall. The blue water and the reflection caught my eye!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FuESKex4IuM/WfZuPfKjqfI/AAAAAAAANUo/pH1sPS1G7iojatsQGcQ6-5G9-NuNE2f9gCLcBGAs/s1600/093A0513.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="854" data-original-width="1600" height="340" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FuESKex4IuM/WfZuPfKjqfI/AAAAAAAANUo/pH1sPS1G7iojatsQGcQ6-5G9-NuNE2f9gCLcBGAs/s640/093A0513.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I saw a few of these guys and finally got a pic. This is a ring-necked duck. They summer in Canada and winter around here and further south.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JorOwiaY9NM/WfZuPQAZbWI/AAAAAAAANUk/vhzz6J810toF4Bni5_Yq3RP0aslnwoWZwCLcBGAs/s1600/093A0551.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="972" data-original-width="1373" height="452" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JorOwiaY9NM/WfZuPQAZbWI/AAAAAAAANUk/vhzz6J810toF4Bni5_Yq3RP0aslnwoWZwCLcBGAs/s640/093A0551.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I saw a few buffleheads in the middle of the main lake. Luckily this female came close enough for a pic.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-S1Y-VpONxcM/WfZuPg_EXJI/AAAAAAAANUs/myylcud4zZkRoBDSFamWp-YKoiwxZBlegCLcBGAs/s1600/093A0564.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="758" data-original-width="1046" height="462" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-S1Y-VpONxcM/WfZuPg_EXJI/AAAAAAAANUs/myylcud4zZkRoBDSFamWp-YKoiwxZBlegCLcBGAs/s640/093A0564.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Once in awhile the canvasbacks show up around here. They do breed around here and up north too. I think this guy maybe passing through as he heads south for the winter.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ftD0Nco313k/WfZuTArzMqI/AAAAAAAANVU/CcuDHYJnDA0U0y7WZZvpRVOK83mzThxhQCEwYBhgL/s1600/093A0636.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="580" data-original-width="1055" height="350" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ftD0Nco313k/WfZuTArzMqI/AAAAAAAANVU/CcuDHYJnDA0U0y7WZZvpRVOK83mzThxhQCEwYBhgL/s640/093A0636.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">And then the gull show began. A group of them would fly around and then land on the water. At first I thought they were looking for food like crayfish but nope.....they were just enjoying the day!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3JhE2PbZWl4/WfZuQS_hLnI/AAAAAAAANU0/bZ_UdQ4_b0UT6vhrifFienTsj63PNWSPACLcBGAs/s1600/093A0567.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1281" data-original-width="1600" height="512" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3JhE2PbZWl4/WfZuQS_hLnI/AAAAAAAANU0/bZ_UdQ4_b0UT6vhrifFienTsj63PNWSPACLcBGAs/s640/093A0567.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GBujqa9Odb4/WfZuQMpSqbI/AAAAAAAANUw/-BaDrmzgRCMBIS32jI01z7frO9YYE6D7gCLcBGAs/s1600/093A0571.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1284" data-original-width="1554" height="528" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GBujqa9Odb4/WfZuQMpSqbI/AAAAAAAANUw/-BaDrmzgRCMBIS32jI01z7frO9YYE6D7gCLcBGAs/s640/093A0571.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1MpFHPydtK4/WfZuRMKhChI/AAAAAAAANU8/8E9eYLIxHqEeeHW9fz6pflSxdIesvbBnwCLcBGAs/s1600/093A0572.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="986" data-original-width="1600" height="394" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1MpFHPydtK4/WfZuRMKhChI/AAAAAAAANU8/8E9eYLIxHqEeeHW9fz6pflSxdIesvbBnwCLcBGAs/s640/093A0572.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vySWLehdF8s/WfZuTD76c9I/AAAAAAAANVE/Oe0yvNt5ZeYNK-wFgqAFSvibGLoQ1H7ngCLcBGAs/s1600/093A0575.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1505" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vySWLehdF8s/WfZuTD76c9I/AAAAAAAANVE/Oe0yvNt5ZeYNK-wFgqAFSvibGLoQ1H7ngCLcBGAs/s640/093A0575.jpg" width="602" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nI801X9Sr0Y/WfZuSdcdW8I/AAAAAAAANVA/99zCbBAWDVYCXjRy9cfMVKBYkKL9Ws7pwCLcBGAs/s1600/093A0577.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="864" data-original-width="1600" height="344" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nI801X9Sr0Y/WfZuSdcdW8I/AAAAAAAANVA/99zCbBAWDVYCXjRy9cfMVKBYkKL9Ws7pwCLcBGAs/s640/093A0577.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9KkZDFLJR9Q/WfZuTKYFyCI/AAAAAAAANVM/bMcKFa1i_5Eelsa2SY48ibJmO47g4Q76wCLcBGAs/s1600/093A0578.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1268" data-original-width="1600" height="506" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9KkZDFLJR9Q/WfZuTKYFyCI/AAAAAAAANVM/bMcKFa1i_5Eelsa2SY48ibJmO47g4Q76wCLcBGAs/s640/093A0578.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It was time to head home when I spotted this a townsend's solitaire near the parking lot. Very cool! They do live around here year round but I do not see them that often!</span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Kgm30BHBfMI/WfZuTZk5svI/AAAAAAAANVQ/_RQVfX19VSIyuEbjQumeOWnG9hAJa0AOACLcBGAs/s1600/093A0645.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1037" data-original-width="671" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Kgm30BHBfMI/WfZuTZk5svI/AAAAAAAANVQ/_RQVfX19VSIyuEbjQumeOWnG9hAJa0AOACLcBGAs/s400/093A0645.jpg" width="258" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Well, it was a very fun day! Thanks for reading and feel free to share with friends!</span>Alexa Boyeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16747241225405199044noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1856431204466871897.post-52482337244754615292017-10-19T15:13:00.002-07:002017-10-19T15:13:45.270-07:00Rocky Mountain National Park<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">RMNP is only 30 miles from my home but I've only been there a few times in all the years I've lived here. All national parks are not dog friendly, so it feels strange to go for a hike without my dog. Also it's a 20$ fee to enter the park, so I usually opt for places that are free and Hazel dog can come along. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But old age does have it's perks. I was able to score a 10$ lifetime pass before the fee went up.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So today I decided to take advantage of my free pass and start exploring RMNP. Hazel got a good long walk, I grabbed my coffee, some breakfast and headed up to the park.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There are many trails to explore, so it was hard to decide where to start. But after asking friends and reading some guide books, I chose the check out Nymph, Dream and Emerald lakes.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This is the view from the parking lot!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZX3ABRuLZKI/WekXyXDu8YI/AAAAAAAANTU/nWndJWDwDPQtZ0mTBqJab5Qe1DDJ0P5qgCEwYBhgL/s1600/093A0060.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1114" data-original-width="1600" height="444" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZX3ABRuLZKI/WekXyXDu8YI/AAAAAAAANTU/nWndJWDwDPQtZ0mTBqJab5Qe1DDJ0P5qgCEwYBhgL/s640/093A0060.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-c2XjIoMNoV8/WekX48A-HvI/AAAAAAAANTU/vW4uXTxO_hEry19-B5rRxJ7iNBVVI4r5gCEwYBhgL/s1600/093A0289.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1459" data-original-width="1600" height="582" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-c2XjIoMNoV8/WekX48A-HvI/AAAAAAAANTU/vW4uXTxO_hEry19-B5rRxJ7iNBVVI4r5gCEwYBhgL/s640/093A0289.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">These little guys are all over the place and so damn cute!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZIFM9vj3j6M/WekXrqpG2JI/AAAAAAAANSg/Uk0oLHtrPmgHJT6Yrh-XoLg-pnQTvX27gCLcBGAs/s1600/093A0076.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1392" data-original-width="1491" height="596" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZIFM9vj3j6M/WekXrqpG2JI/AAAAAAAANSg/Uk0oLHtrPmgHJT6Yrh-XoLg-pnQTvX27gCLcBGAs/s640/093A0076.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Nymph lake view...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-J1RG2IPmf4A/WekXynQ7gLI/AAAAAAAANS4/DVF0d_PrvBo9Fa0gsHLCfCg9Vgj67PZdQCLcBGAs/s1600/093A0086.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1264" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-J1RG2IPmf4A/WekXynQ7gLI/AAAAAAAANS4/DVF0d_PrvBo9Fa0gsHLCfCg9Vgj67PZdQCLcBGAs/s640/093A0086.jpg" width="504" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I heard lots of chatter and finally was able to grab some pics of the mountain chickadee.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EsGg4l-SRD0/WekXsrews-I/AAAAAAAANSk/IhFr7vNNbagYVGC01ngA_bYHS_BnImziQCLcBGAs/s1600/093A0100.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1010" data-original-width="1600" height="402" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EsGg4l-SRD0/WekXsrews-I/AAAAAAAANSk/IhFr7vNNbagYVGC01ngA_bYHS_BnImziQCLcBGAs/s640/093A0100.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--LnmCMH-amk/WekXs0KE14I/AAAAAAAANSo/VcCeCBGmrxU3HtNMNk3pSa_SRAP44Nl8wCLcBGAs/s1600/093A0124.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="655" data-original-width="847" height="494" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--LnmCMH-amk/WekXs0KE14I/AAAAAAAANSo/VcCeCBGmrxU3HtNMNk3pSa_SRAP44Nl8wCLcBGAs/s640/093A0124.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There were a few other people on the trail and we'd change hellos as we passed each other. One guy noticed my Yankee cap I was wearing and said " Go Yanks". We had a nice chat about being a New Yorker and a Yankee fan.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-r7jW_OYaxd4/WekXu0WuupI/AAAAAAAANSs/cQRQTbEFFp8_s71ulm1q7flcGiwHTeJMgCLcBGAs/s1600/093A0130.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-r7jW_OYaxd4/WekXu0WuupI/AAAAAAAANSs/cQRQTbEFFp8_s71ulm1q7flcGiwHTeJMgCLcBGAs/s640/093A0130.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GKQqS4lVo1w/WekXx7RXAFI/AAAAAAAANSw/EwMMdp56JGQ2E6RPpkmN0xGYEQpFC_fVACLcBGAs/s1600/093A0133.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1158" data-original-width="1600" height="462" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GKQqS4lVo1w/WekXx7RXAFI/AAAAAAAANSw/EwMMdp56JGQ2E6RPpkmN0xGYEQpFC_fVACLcBGAs/s640/093A0133.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VBI04otdvyA/WekX0A0uIVI/AAAAAAAANTA/16-QdTjpskYRyj9nvSBjpvshEaanfQghgCLcBGAs/s1600/093A0137.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VBI04otdvyA/WekX0A0uIVI/AAAAAAAANTA/16-QdTjpskYRyj9nvSBjpvshEaanfQghgCLcBGAs/s640/093A0137.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xJKAkKr2a7k/WekZcG6dCEI/AAAAAAAANTc/5jq4TbCrZ5ovQ5Re20MoOnyZsXb_EEO1QCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/093A0166.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xJKAkKr2a7k/WekZcG6dCEI/AAAAAAAANTc/5jq4TbCrZ5ovQ5Re20MoOnyZsXb_EEO1QCK4BGAYYCw/s640/093A0166.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I was just past Dream lake when I heard a familiar sound of a woodpecker. There was a pair flitting around getting breakfast. This gal had just ripped off this piece of bark....</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VpUGEY1BPgE/WekX067ugOI/AAAAAAAANS8/mi5Tl0HxDO8KuZUXDHN2wif_ODAV6qqAQCLcBGAs/s1600/093A0202.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1485" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VpUGEY1BPgE/WekX067ugOI/AAAAAAAANS8/mi5Tl0HxDO8KuZUXDHN2wif_ODAV6qqAQCLcBGAs/s640/093A0202.jpg" width="592" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The male was close by. At first I thought they were downy woodpeckers but the yellow head threw me. So looked them up when I got home and realized they are three-toed woodpeckers...cool! A life bird for me!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-O6whxtYjFDk/WekX1zvZfWI/AAAAAAAANTE/AW2jopWE7Hov6hjiy8rIF9jPHvCXXpcGQCLcBGAs/s1600/093A0235.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="980" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-O6whxtYjFDk/WekX1zvZfWI/AAAAAAAANTE/AW2jopWE7Hov6hjiy8rIF9jPHvCXXpcGQCLcBGAs/s640/093A0235.jpg" width="418" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This is the view above Emerald lake.......</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PfjVY2vE3qo/WekX4AqpP2I/AAAAAAAANTI/Wv1e81Ipoy0XJbC5-zIa0rMTPgQl713GACLcBGAs/s1600/093A0248.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PfjVY2vE3qo/WekX4AqpP2I/AAAAAAAANTI/Wv1e81Ipoy0XJbC5-zIa0rMTPgQl713GACLcBGAs/s640/093A0248.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So I headed back down the trail and now it was getting crowded with people hiking up the trail. Old people, kids, athletes, and out of shape people hiked by me as I descended the trail. Again, lots of hellos and are we almost there were the conversations I had with folks. But there's always one jerk and I'm pretty sure he was a red sox fan. As he hiked by he said " oh wearing your Yankee cap because they won last night"? I quickly responded "I wear it ALL the time"! That shut him up pretty quick as I only see red sox caps are here when they are winning......</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">By the time I got back to the parking lot, it was full and there were at least 50 cars waiting as I drove out. Definitely pays to get to the trails early! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I had a great time and while I did miss having Hazel dog with me, I will head back soon for more exploring!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Thanks for reading!</span>Alexa Boyeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16747241225405199044noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1856431204466871897.post-61114154457538767002017-10-15T17:50:00.000-07:002017-10-15T17:50:18.470-07:00Checking Out Walden Ponds<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Well, time sure flies when you're having fun! As you may have noticed, it's been awhile since I did a blog. Hazel and I have done some fun hikes such as the BVR loop in Boulder and Button Rock. I have brought my camera along but haven't got any pics worth blogging about. So today I decided to go check out Walden ponds in Boulder and get some fun pics to blog about. Dogs are allowed at Walden ponds but they do have to be on leash. That is not fun for either of us, so Hazel stayed home and got some extra sleep.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It was a chilly 24' when I got to Walden ponds. Brrrrrrrrrrr</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ctTaRVWxBcM/WeP4yE4YvzI/AAAAAAAANSI/MkSxQrvcMHwEhOhzZ9c2_jY2pMyUAB9rwCEwYBhgL/s1600/093A9945.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1361" data-original-width="1600" height="544" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ctTaRVWxBcM/WeP4yE4YvzI/AAAAAAAANSI/MkSxQrvcMHwEhOhzZ9c2_jY2pMyUAB9rwCEwYBhgL/s640/093A9945.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There was still a bit of mist on the first pond....</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fZJzimMO_Fs/WeP4xWzRNnI/AAAAAAAANSE/Bb-awUmj5R0e-cq6yLGlmqVhKPKUQYCmgCEwYBhgL/s1600/093A9946.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1279" data-original-width="1600" height="510" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fZJzimMO_Fs/WeP4xWzRNnI/AAAAAAAANSE/Bb-awUmj5R0e-cq6yLGlmqVhKPKUQYCmgCEwYBhgL/s640/093A9946.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I heard a familiar sound and soon realized it was the widgeons! They spend the summer up north and come down here for the winter. There were at least 50 or so in the pond. This is a male and female enjoying breakfast.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ak84ikMW6fc/WeP4w_nZ2aI/AAAAAAAANSA/pR17x3cPVJEgxKOgYrx6xrNDz2vW7bJXgCEwYBhgL/s1600/093A9959.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1136" data-original-width="1600" height="454" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ak84ikMW6fc/WeP4w_nZ2aI/AAAAAAAANSA/pR17x3cPVJEgxKOgYrx6xrNDz2vW7bJXgCEwYBhgL/s640/093A9959.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After seeing the widgeons, it got super quiet. Sure I heard a kingfisher, some sparrows and some geese. But no one was close enough to get pics of. I hiked around for about 2 hours enjoying the beautiful,brisk morning.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I decided to go see if the dipper was at 75th which is right up the road from Walden ponds.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As I drove out of Walden, I noticed a large white object. So I pulled over and soon saw it was a young pelican! And as a bonus, it was a sweet reflection pic, my favorite!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8PSmrjcKCgc/WeP4r7j7TII/AAAAAAAANRs/kx-mw_X7odwmoTz6dKfgqtE38jUNuyDdQCLcBGAs/s1600/093A0011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1162" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8PSmrjcKCgc/WeP4r7j7TII/AAAAAAAANRs/kx-mw_X7odwmoTz6dKfgqtE38jUNuyDdQCLcBGAs/s640/093A0011.jpg" width="464" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Notice the reflection of the snow covered mountains?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oayTU8N3j64/WeP4sqJ7XXI/AAAAAAAANRw/4K6COzMnSrIskpu3qR3zuEikluUDJsFaQCLcBGAs/s1600/093A0012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="734" data-original-width="1600" height="292" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oayTU8N3j64/WeP4sqJ7XXI/AAAAAAAANRw/4K6COzMnSrIskpu3qR3zuEikluUDJsFaQCLcBGAs/s640/093A0012.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here's the mountains that were reflected with the pelican.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ef8kQnYCtA4/WeP4tnGZz6I/AAAAAAAANR4/1jv4QyQNXN4IZ4BcaYjcM22__f4aaPdMQCLcBGAs/s1600/093A0017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="931" data-original-width="1600" height="372" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ef8kQnYCtA4/WeP4tnGZz6I/AAAAAAAANR4/1jv4QyQNXN4IZ4BcaYjcM22__f4aaPdMQCLcBGAs/s640/093A0017.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ELU4a-WWG5o/WeP4svq0QnI/AAAAAAAANR0/PO8H5_Uqb4gFaq2YYRyOGa5V0ArEqGNcACLcBGAs/s1600/093A0044.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="888" data-original-width="673" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ELU4a-WWG5o/WeP4svq0QnI/AAAAAAAANR0/PO8H5_Uqb4gFaq2YYRyOGa5V0ArEqGNcACLcBGAs/s640/093A0044.jpg" width="484" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After enjoying the pelican, I stopped at 75th St to look for the dipper but no luck.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So I decided to stop by Pella Crossing on the way home. Pella Crossing was decimated during the 2013 floods and finally opened up last month. It can get crowded there on weekends but it was pretty quiet this morning. So I checked out some of the trails. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I did see some wood ducks but they weren't in a good place for pics. But the views were spectacular!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This is Mt Meeker and Long's Peak! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TGCjljMJsVE/WeP4voIDj4I/AAAAAAAANR8/9UES9gY9HIIjMQYdhP7zHk_OtQD866VMACLcBGAs/s1600/093A0056.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="976" data-original-width="1600" height="390" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TGCjljMJsVE/WeP4voIDj4I/AAAAAAAANR8/9UES9gY9HIIjMQYdhP7zHk_OtQD866VMACLcBGAs/s640/093A0056.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Well, it was pretty quiet as far as photographing wildlife but still a gorgeous day to be out and enjoying Nature!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Thanks for reading!</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />Alexa Boyeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16747241225405199044noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1856431204466871897.post-28452130603828814772017-09-03T11:35:00.000-07:002017-09-03T11:35:22.085-07:00My New Etsy Page<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Here's what I've been doing the last month or so. Setting up an Etsy page for my recycled clocks. The idea came to me about a year ago, so I started experimenting with different ways to design the clocks. Life happened as I bought a condo and moved last winter. It came with a garage- score! But it took awhile to get the garage set up as a workshop. Finally all the stars aligned and I got a few clocks put together and ready to sell! As you </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">can see I used some of my favorite photos to make each clock unique.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> I have plans to also do custom clocks for people using their favorite photo. So stay tuned for that......</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And I have plans for new items on my Easy page such as potholders made from t-shirts and of course I will be adding my notecards and photo prints too!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Just go to www.etsy.com and search for mollydog designs to see what I'm selling. As readers of my blog, I will happily discount any of my items for you! Contact me directly at alexaboyes@icloud.com and we can make it happen!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Thanks!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This photo is an old truck I saw up in Gold Hill and then used the prism app to make it look like a painting.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-u70YFix-_Ac/WaxEozCMkWI/AAAAAAAANRI/FpdlV36VZW00au_P2JaoU3nYzSOVKh9XACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_0365%2B%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1307" data-original-width="1553" height="537" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-u70YFix-_Ac/WaxEozCMkWI/AAAAAAAANRI/FpdlV36VZW00au_P2JaoU3nYzSOVKh9XACLcBGAs/s640/IMG_0365%2B%25281%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">mountain goat youngsters on Mt Evans</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-t7_9uD_oDJI/WaxEp-T25gI/AAAAAAAANRM/xb4UZY2JSq8rNty4QCU1lPBuisqs8LsywCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_0369.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1293" data-original-width="1407" height="588" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-t7_9uD_oDJI/WaxEp-T25gI/AAAAAAAANRM/xb4UZY2JSq8rNty4QCU1lPBuisqs8LsywCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_0369.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Award winning photo of a red fox</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e51hGRxd9qM/WaxEpxPmOyI/AAAAAAAANRQ/udK4fMXt6toU5aQOVNxbF2qtz8jS_dtqQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_2201%2B%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1382" data-original-width="1600" height="552" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e51hGRxd9qM/WaxEpxPmOyI/AAAAAAAANRQ/udK4fMXt6toU5aQOVNxbF2qtz8jS_dtqQCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_2201%2B%25281%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Moose at Brained lake</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-L891nko3Iy4/WaxFHpfJYjI/AAAAAAAANRU/SoAp9LBkIRkFV0XmyaEMjdePLcxcbjykgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_0367.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1304" data-original-width="1600" height="520" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-L891nko3Iy4/WaxFHpfJYjI/AAAAAAAANRU/SoAp9LBkIRkFV0XmyaEMjdePLcxcbjykgCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_0367.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Barn on 75th St in town of Hygiene using the prism app</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UsucCANXeq8/WaxFI2GxfbI/AAAAAAAANRc/HpS5CoJSqKIyrrdIdt6KngCV5GqOYzpeACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_2222.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UsucCANXeq8/WaxFI2GxfbI/AAAAAAAANRc/HpS5CoJSqKIyrrdIdt6KngCV5GqOYzpeACLcBGAs/s640/IMG_2222.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I call this sunrise owlet</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ANjfGp_ihcI/WaxFIKhCErI/AAAAAAAANRY/TVl4NQYKorIFSXGhbiYYwAbBwvFYZch9QCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_2228.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1482" data-original-width="1600" height="592" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ANjfGp_ihcI/WaxFIKhCErI/AAAAAAAANRY/TVl4NQYKorIFSXGhbiYYwAbBwvFYZch9QCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_2228.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Thanks for checking out my Easy page!</span><br />
<br />Alexa Boyeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16747241225405199044noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1856431204466871897.post-78934475980852747042017-08-21T16:30:00.000-07:002017-08-21T16:30:21.119-07:00Eclipse 2017<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Of course I had to go down to my favorite place for the eclipse! I was very curious to see if the birds behaviors would be affected by the eclipse. Since I'm so familiar with what is "normal" it seemed like the perfect place to go. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> My normal routine when I go out photographing is to get up early( before sunrise), get Hazel and the kitties taken care of, grab my coffee and head out for the morning....</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But today I had to change it up. The eclipse was going to be at peak at 11:47am in the Denver area. So there was no reason to get down there early. So Hazel and I did a nice long walk. Then I had coffee and breakfast before heading down. I knew one issue would be traffic. And it was as it took an additional 1/2 hour to get to my favorite place but I allowed for that.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I arrived around 10am and it was HOT! Luckily there were lots of shady spots to get out of the hot Colorado sun!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I spotted a family of gadwalls. Here's a cute female......</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VUeNgeD7Xmc/WZthtHPPh7I/AAAAAAAANPg/DagRmDYJIocBCoDLY-mlVWW1X2X9lv6aQCLcBGAs/s1600/093A9646.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="985" data-original-width="1600" height="392" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VUeNgeD7Xmc/WZthtHPPh7I/AAAAAAAANPg/DagRmDYJIocBCoDLY-mlVWW1X2X9lv6aQCLcBGAs/s640/093A9646.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And there were about 7 snowy egrets around! They put on quite the show!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5Ha4wb4MOZs/WZthte3hx2I/AAAAAAAANPk/YBVGS5EerDIbIVBr4FJIdtLTBEtCd397wCLcBGAs/s1600/093A9658.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1465" data-original-width="1600" height="586" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5Ha4wb4MOZs/WZthte3hx2I/AAAAAAAANPk/YBVGS5EerDIbIVBr4FJIdtLTBEtCd397wCLcBGAs/s640/093A9658.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kZ2RPL3UUd8/WZthuDXo8kI/AAAAAAAANPo/mX6zE7V48C0SgT3t8ShDep0BcYfWJPyjwCLcBGAs/s1600/093A9663-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="663" data-original-width="662" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kZ2RPL3UUd8/WZthuDXo8kI/AAAAAAAANPo/mX6zE7V48C0SgT3t8ShDep0BcYfWJPyjwCLcBGAs/s640/093A9663-2.jpg" width="638" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Wxw77gA0LDk/WZthu61aleI/AAAAAAAANPw/BWQhOERVR30SSSZYbEc1fWmrFbUHCfYcwCLcBGAs/s1600/093A9663.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="986" data-original-width="1600" height="394" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Wxw77gA0LDk/WZthu61aleI/AAAAAAAANPw/BWQhOERVR30SSSZYbEc1fWmrFbUHCfYcwCLcBGAs/s640/093A9663.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nFGpgOeu3yA/WZthvXRgUHI/AAAAAAAANP4/5JeqRoQkFdoIIK3KUz2mQWXFahjpMF7ywCLcBGAs/s1600/093A9665.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="505" data-original-width="742" height="434" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nFGpgOeu3yA/WZthvXRgUHI/AAAAAAAANP4/5JeqRoQkFdoIIK3KUz2mQWXFahjpMF7ywCLcBGAs/s640/093A9665.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wiC23H94k8g/WZthwduwseI/AAAAAAAANP8/O__8XiG6I-YUzyXvG0ahAHQGWkpngyzuwCLcBGAs/s1600/093A9671.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1221" data-original-width="1600" height="488" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wiC23H94k8g/WZthwduwseI/AAAAAAAANP8/O__8XiG6I-YUzyXvG0ahAHQGWkpngyzuwCLcBGAs/s640/093A9671.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A great blue heron flew by......</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-d1hhaTj13Pc/WZthxCAHvKI/AAAAAAAANQE/pf3hqtDqOEMUu92MN6D_9TOuMDVmAV22ACLcBGAs/s1600/093A9682.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1238" data-original-width="1600" height="494" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-d1hhaTj13Pc/WZthxCAHvKI/AAAAAAAANQE/pf3hqtDqOEMUu92MN6D_9TOuMDVmAV22ACLcBGAs/s640/093A9682.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-suLgoLmbEBs/WZthxMkW9UI/AAAAAAAANQI/M5nN_Prm4iwXAIG2AfxgOOcGCmi7CnQhQCLcBGAs/s1600/093A9698.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1139" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-suLgoLmbEBs/WZthxMkW9UI/AAAAAAAANQI/M5nN_Prm4iwXAIG2AfxgOOcGCmi7CnQhQCLcBGAs/s640/093A9698.jpg" width="454" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Oh yea! Best reflection shot that I've ever gotten!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CsAGBiBBqjs/WZthxZFpOdI/AAAAAAAANQM/tqdkKUmtjGIoBltPNAwEqp4leGbKocm3gCLcBGAs/s1600/093A9699.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1239" data-original-width="1600" height="494" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CsAGBiBBqjs/WZthxZFpOdI/AAAAAAAANQM/tqdkKUmtjGIoBltPNAwEqp4leGbKocm3gCLcBGAs/s640/093A9699.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dxW7JbJyRGk/WZthxtFxJ0I/AAAAAAAANQQ/wcK9Ag4kwGAX6Ws0jry9lAdHysWEi9UEgCLcBGAs/s1600/093A9739.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1469" data-original-width="1600" height="586" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dxW7JbJyRGk/WZthxtFxJ0I/AAAAAAAANQQ/wcK9Ag4kwGAX6Ws0jry9lAdHysWEi9UEgCLcBGAs/s640/093A9739.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AkrGpEZiLkE/WZthx4pCkTI/AAAAAAAANQU/F7_oERoAbpQO8Bf8ZjyMz4wMILU79DgVgCLcBGAs/s1600/093A9741.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="823" data-original-width="1562" height="336" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AkrGpEZiLkE/WZthx4pCkTI/AAAAAAAANQU/F7_oERoAbpQO8Bf8ZjyMz4wMILU79DgVgCLcBGAs/s640/093A9741.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Most of snowy shots were taken during the eclipse. I really thought that at 92% of totality, it would have gotten darker but no such luck! The light got a bit funky and I tried to capture it was photos of one of the ponds at different times but all the pics looked the same. Bummer... but what was noticeable was the temperature drop. I'd guess around 5-7 degrees which was very welcome!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There were quite a few people around the ponds enjoying the eclipse. I met a nice young gal and an older woman. The older gal had some eclipse glasses and happily shared them with us. So it was fun to exchange comments and oohs and aaahs as the eclipse happened.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As the sun came back and the temps heated back up, I decided to do one last lap to check on all by bird friends. I never saw the swainsons or the coopers hawks but I did find these young wood ducks. Boy have they grown since I saw them a few months ago.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">They were very busy stretching and flapping their wings. I don't think they can fly yet but I bet they're close!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DlcsEUwA_24/WZthyQ7b41I/AAAAAAAANQY/p5HelDMALiYTHiR0EiLBK6X-wP7I9AfkgCLcBGAs/s1600/093A9743.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="992" data-original-width="1600" height="396" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DlcsEUwA_24/WZthyQ7b41I/AAAAAAAANQY/p5HelDMALiYTHiR0EiLBK6X-wP7I9AfkgCLcBGAs/s640/093A9743.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GwVpRIQHXrs/WZthzcz2FbI/AAAAAAAANQc/kvCBOyWQ4pUO-sKUq-fdseL3vlIWu-eagCLcBGAs/s1600/093A9749.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="998" data-original-width="1600" height="398" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GwVpRIQHXrs/WZthzcz2FbI/AAAAAAAANQc/kvCBOyWQ4pUO-sKUq-fdseL3vlIWu-eagCLcBGAs/s640/093A9749.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This is a young male wood duck......</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EXyKbt17Kjs/WZthzQ-lpEI/AAAAAAAANQg/vTqiGo5ATjwJQB8EpJ8kg6lMerpVtNjdQCLcBGAs/s1600/093A9753.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1287" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EXyKbt17Kjs/WZthzQ-lpEI/AAAAAAAANQg/vTqiGo5ATjwJQB8EpJ8kg6lMerpVtNjdQCLcBGAs/s640/093A9753.jpg" width="514" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And here's a young female wood duck. Even at this early age, it's possible to see what sex they are.....</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-I4xMRveqqBE/WZthzhXPp0I/AAAAAAAANQk/-MdZNRa71hYkuEVoGOpsDHacUkBSYKgZgCLcBGAs/s1600/093A9767.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1076" data-original-width="1600" height="430" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-I4xMRveqqBE/WZthzhXPp0I/AAAAAAAANQk/-MdZNRa71hYkuEVoGOpsDHacUkBSYKgZgCLcBGAs/s640/093A9767.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yT8Cjg_ta7E/WZth0ek1ooI/AAAAAAAANQo/dOrWDTi67eUtTBrJ9AUzAUoAQPeP2PcCgCLcBGAs/s1600/093A9778.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="936" data-original-width="1600" height="374" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yT8Cjg_ta7E/WZth0ek1ooI/AAAAAAAANQo/dOrWDTi67eUtTBrJ9AUzAUoAQPeP2PcCgCLcBGAs/s640/093A9778.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And finally this gadwall was very hungry as she was chowing down...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m927LgtDj-8/WZth0xYz8NI/AAAAAAAANQw/BAjOovXnhRECv-SNH7CgCkWixNGuAxv-wCLcBGAs/s1600/093A9787.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="887" data-original-width="1600" height="354" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m927LgtDj-8/WZth0xYz8NI/AAAAAAAANQw/BAjOovXnhRECv-SNH7CgCkWixNGuAxv-wCLcBGAs/s640/093A9787.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-idy04B7ZPI8/WZth0hu6c1I/AAAAAAAANQs/nKEjbxD_tPYbxk0Z0iUiyfE-VeWhkCEFQCLcBGAs/s1600/093A9793.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="691" data-original-width="1137" height="388" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-idy04B7ZPI8/WZth0hu6c1I/AAAAAAAANQs/nKEjbxD_tPYbxk0Z0iUiyfE-VeWhkCEFQCLcBGAs/s640/093A9793.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Besides the temperature drops, the shadows got funky! Here's my hand. It should be crisp but it's blurry because of the eclipse!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZRxfLbPQSPQ/WZth1AL68ZI/AAAAAAAANQ0/Gs86o52ryno3LKciDhusDQPM6A5MRLFvACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_2259.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="406" data-original-width="454" height="570" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZRxfLbPQSPQ/WZth1AL68ZI/AAAAAAAANQ0/Gs86o52ryno3LKciDhusDQPM6A5MRLFvACLcBGAs/s640/IMG_2259.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And this is the shadow of the leaves from a tree..funky!!!!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NzrJM7INh4w/WZth2-MymYI/AAAAAAAANQ4/-B7yBPSdSTs1W3emYD4XU8bNXXQrJ1niACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_2261.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NzrJM7INh4w/WZth2-MymYI/AAAAAAAANQ4/-B7yBPSdSTs1W3emYD4XU8bNXXQrJ1niACLcBGAs/s640/IMG_2261.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Well, it was fun but I did not notice any change in the wildlife as the eclipse happened. And I do understand now why people wanted to be where it would be 100%. Maybe the one in 2024 will be my chance to see it at 100% totality!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Thanks for reading!</span>Alexa Boyeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16747241225405199044noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1856431204466871897.post-32332430381957068552017-07-16T19:07:00.001-07:002017-07-16T19:07:19.266-07:00Hot Fun On A Summer Day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There was no question of where to go photographing today! I had to head down to my favorite place to check on the mergansers, the avocets, the cooper's hawks and the </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">swainson's hawks too.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So with coffee and some breakfast packed up, I was in the car at 5am and driving down to Lakewood.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I was hoping the cooper's hawks were out of the nest but still close by. Yup! I saw all three youngsters. Two were in the dead tree and one was perched high in one of the spruce trees.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-p6Eh8z1uV80/WWv97hAI9RI/AAAAAAAANMA/VMtNPG4DJ20m3nEeN7nxCM6ew3r37LNZwCLcBGAs/s1600/093A9014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1097" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-p6Eh8z1uV80/WWv97hAI9RI/AAAAAAAANMA/VMtNPG4DJ20m3nEeN7nxCM6ew3r37LNZwCLcBGAs/s640/093A9014.jpg" width="438" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A western kingbird flew into the same tree and the young cooper was pretty excited.....</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MQV1TF2g1Lw/WWv97t682vI/AAAAAAAANL4/MvPOUd_dWk0fXWbW78nerW6NbEsiHWdewCLcBGAs/s1600/093A9016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="799" data-original-width="946" height="540" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MQV1TF2g1Lw/WWv97t682vI/AAAAAAAANL4/MvPOUd_dWk0fXWbW78nerW6NbEsiHWdewCLcBGAs/s640/093A9016.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Yes, these hawks eat small birds but not today.......</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HRUmctLq6Pg/WWv97jL8brI/AAAAAAAANL8/OhNQdCf92FoH4Sot_V7BrmtEoxfZrep8gCLcBGAs/s1600/093A9021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="882" data-original-width="1023" height="550" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HRUmctLq6Pg/WWv97jL8brI/AAAAAAAANL8/OhNQdCf92FoH4Sot_V7BrmtEoxfZrep8gCLcBGAs/s640/093A9021.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I went looking for the avocets but there was no sign of them. Damn, my guess is the chicks didn't make it and the parents moved on......</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I did see this cute spotted sandpiper......</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NtRIoo9yDm4/WWv98AHaKxI/AAAAAAAANMI/c74vgEvoXCUZeD70jSD3hX8VJ3wqeutagCLcBGAs/s1600/093A9030.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1196" data-original-width="1553" height="492" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NtRIoo9yDm4/WWv98AHaKxI/AAAAAAAANMI/c74vgEvoXCUZeD70jSD3hX8VJ3wqeutagCLcBGAs/s640/093A9030.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And here's a cormorant family....</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KF1Ab59XTH0/WWv98n7yzEI/AAAAAAAANMQ/ZRkIrDJqP04iVQRP0trutErSsQI1MYXfwCLcBGAs/s1600/093A9034.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1404" data-original-width="1600" height="560" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KF1Ab59XTH0/WWv98n7yzEI/AAAAAAAANMQ/ZRkIrDJqP04iVQRP0trutErSsQI1MYXfwCLcBGAs/s640/093A9034.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I continued on and watched this great blue heron do some fishing. Not sure what he/she caught but I'm sure it was yummy!</span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qIV5bQ5lejU/WWv99RjgVzI/AAAAAAAANMc/XrnlDGc1DDgxhwBZoMqC0aaBIbFw0nhtgCEwYBhgL/s1600/093A9088.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="897" data-original-width="1600" height="358" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qIV5bQ5lejU/WWv99RjgVzI/AAAAAAAANMc/XrnlDGc1DDgxhwBZoMqC0aaBIbFw0nhtgCEwYBhgL/s640/093A9088.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GB-yrOugSPI/WWv98hi5c_I/AAAAAAAANMU/zNdb--hRc1s2-OIDgYVqVrgi01RIrgFcwCLcBGAs/s1600/093A9054.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="873" data-original-width="1234" height="452" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GB-yrOugSPI/WWv98hi5c_I/AAAAAAAANMU/zNdb--hRc1s2-OIDgYVqVrgi01RIrgFcwCLcBGAs/s640/093A9054.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Yes! Last time I was here, I only saw one female wood duck. Today I spotted two females and a few ducklings!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eOyh8r2WQxU/WWv98qIeGjI/AAAAAAAANMM/Qy8kQNgHJp4GwNbkF2hgnH1S0Pfigfu6QCLcBGAs/s1600/093A9056.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="913" height="448" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eOyh8r2WQxU/WWv98qIeGjI/AAAAAAAANMM/Qy8kQNgHJp4GwNbkF2hgnH1S0Pfigfu6QCLcBGAs/s640/093A9056.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here's a couple of the wood duck kids.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E82l4RlH1xE/WWv98yeva2I/AAAAAAAANMY/9tpjzNcXc4YV_lzR6uFxFcXOqi8LjlU8ACLcBGAs/s1600/093A9081.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="546" data-original-width="1267" height="274" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E82l4RlH1xE/WWv98yeva2I/AAAAAAAANMY/9tpjzNcXc4YV_lzR6uFxFcXOqi8LjlU8ACLcBGAs/s640/093A9081.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here's a male mallard in eclipse plumage. After breeding season the males molt and lose the ability to fly for a few weeks. You can see the green is starting to come back.....</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0JHt85U5rH4/WWv99kAZ-YI/AAAAAAAANMg/0tejnCvNY3MdCLBvgSrtBluscIpnID46wCLcBGAs/s1600/093A9086.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1251" data-original-width="1600" height="500" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0JHt85U5rH4/WWv99kAZ-YI/AAAAAAAANMg/0tejnCvNY3MdCLBvgSrtBluscIpnID46wCLcBGAs/s640/093A9086.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After enjoying the wood ducks, I went looking for the swainson's. And there was Mrs. Swainson enjoying the beautiful morning.......</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-q_yVR7skgts/WWv995wWx8I/AAAAAAAANMo/bo8WfKounHsz3nfgTuf7bt470ksn1s8oQCLcBGAs/s1600/093A9098.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1155" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-q_yVR7skgts/WWv995wWx8I/AAAAAAAANMo/bo8WfKounHsz3nfgTuf7bt470ksn1s8oQCLcBGAs/s640/093A9098.jpg" width="460" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I heard a familiar sound of the western kingbird! There seems to be a bumper crop of these guys this year!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3CRXONDi8hQ/WWv99wvdsNI/AAAAAAAANMk/KMbYGEL-OxcL7MCJCbYQrlzfqTGT-JClQCLcBGAs/s1600/093A9117.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="761" data-original-width="673" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3CRXONDi8hQ/WWv99wvdsNI/AAAAAAAANMk/KMbYGEL-OxcL7MCJCbYQrlzfqTGT-JClQCLcBGAs/s400/093A9117.jpg" width="352" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There also seems to be quite a few young kingfishers this year. I saw them everywhere but especially at the back pond. </span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jYiiw7i7Op4/WWv99zSLipI/AAAAAAAANMs/e0rCohB0e30zW5-UcS1J_DR3DeyWIGEfgCLcBGAs/s1600/093A9127.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="678" data-original-width="1005" height="430" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jYiiw7i7Op4/WWv99zSLipI/AAAAAAAANMs/e0rCohB0e30zW5-UcS1J_DR3DeyWIGEfgCLcBGAs/s640/093A9127.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-F1XPHNcO7AM/WWv-CnJpZQI/AAAAAAAANOU/kjNOnxkKPm8DwaEQopdKm16ahQ-jHryQACEwYBhgL/s1600/093A9438.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1171" data-original-width="1175" height="636" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-F1XPHNcO7AM/WWv-CnJpZQI/AAAAAAAANOU/kjNOnxkKPm8DwaEQopdKm16ahQ-jHryQACEwYBhgL/s640/093A9438.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I spent quite a long time attempting to get pics of them hitting the water to grab a fish. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This was the best I got, so more practice is needed.......</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ESjLH8GRW10/WWv-DdpnZ3I/AAAAAAAANOk/yLZTDVrJv04Oqz9gBmlCILJZ9WnRYClUACEwYBhgL/s1600/093A9498.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="743" data-original-width="1064" height="278" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ESjLH8GRW10/WWv-DdpnZ3I/AAAAAAAANOk/yLZTDVrJv04Oqz9gBmlCILJZ9WnRYClUACEwYBhgL/s400/093A9498.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I doubled back to check on the wood ducks and this downy wood pecker showed up....</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5Iug_eJHlZs/WWv9-acV1KI/AAAAAAAANM4/dKe_216HNqwH1IyVbhYx5WEOy5Gbn1lwgCLcBGAs/s1600/093A9130.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1103" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5Iug_eJHlZs/WWv9-acV1KI/AAAAAAAANM4/dKe_216HNqwH1IyVbhYx5WEOy5Gbn1lwgCLcBGAs/s640/093A9130.jpg" width="440" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here's the youngsters.....</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YrfVClv06Y8/WWv9-V-jnLI/AAAAAAAANM0/JJvN3AbZH7E7xd0Z-xDoPQr5JYZKotO3wCLcBGAs/s1600/093A9139.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="812" data-original-width="1583" height="328" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YrfVClv06Y8/WWv9-V-jnLI/AAAAAAAANM0/JJvN3AbZH7E7xd0Z-xDoPQr5JYZKotO3wCLcBGAs/s640/093A9139.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m5iP4JSVq-g/WWv9-nK7GLI/AAAAAAAANM8/DVaNDp5F8CYE3f6qmvNMlEKph4joqkC6ACLcBGAs/s1600/093A9157.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="719" data-original-width="1030" height="446" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m5iP4JSVq-g/WWv9-nK7GLI/AAAAAAAANM8/DVaNDp5F8CYE3f6qmvNMlEKph4joqkC6ACLcBGAs/s640/093A9157.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And here are the two momma wood ducks.........</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ri0V51S4hBQ/WWv-Bf1J7hI/AAAAAAAANNw/pmw7hcDLJeciTNKplr-bJYaotBYQgTLfACEwYBhgL/s1600/093A9320.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="755" data-original-width="1600" height="302" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ri0V51S4hBQ/WWv-Bf1J7hI/AAAAAAAANNw/pmw7hcDLJeciTNKplr-bJYaotBYQgTLfACEwYBhgL/s640/093A9320.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-n0saHm4z9L0/WWv-B2JOH_I/AAAAAAAANOE/gmE9INCvU70mo6e2Mw9nTDoK4LOsJsEkQCEwYBhgL/s1600/093A9363.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1384" data-original-width="1046" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-n0saHm4z9L0/WWv-B2JOH_I/AAAAAAAANOE/gmE9INCvU70mo6e2Mw9nTDoK4LOsJsEkQCEwYBhgL/s640/093A9363.jpg" width="482" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I decided to walk back to check on the cooper's hawks. On the way I spotted this young kestrel.....</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ukBvBV2p_8E/WWv9-5OSa_I/AAAAAAAANNE/cxJvN4Lz074X5mShs70Oz4G_EBFX1igWgCLcBGAs/s1600/093A9184.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="1285" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ukBvBV2p_8E/WWv9-5OSa_I/AAAAAAAANNE/cxJvN4Lz074X5mShs70Oz4G_EBFX1igWgCLcBGAs/s640/093A9184.jpg" width="602" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Wow! I noticed something I had never noticed before. Eye color! This first pic is not good quality but check out the red eye color.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/--PTPTpffP0I/WWv9_CE9QZI/AAAAAAAANNI/bN-SxKaEsbw7FcPL8BmKjPRTWDg8qg_AwCLcBGAs/s1600/093A9185.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="501" data-original-width="559" height="357" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/--PTPTpffP0I/WWv9_CE9QZI/AAAAAAAANNI/bN-SxKaEsbw7FcPL8BmKjPRTWDg8qg_AwCLcBGAs/s400/093A9185.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And this youngster has light green eye color. So I did some research and learned that they go through a few eye colors on the way to being an adult. Red is the normal color for the adult, so the youngster with the light red eye is reaching maturity a bit sooner than the other cooper.....cool!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Rum5FOi3qU8/WWv9_b2EieI/AAAAAAAANNM/5RJU185AtVQe3K2negJx4qEkZ71fliPmACLcBGAs/s1600/093A9201.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1156" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Rum5FOi3qU8/WWv9_b2EieI/AAAAAAAANNM/5RJU185AtVQe3K2negJx4qEkZ71fliPmACLcBGAs/s640/093A9201.jpg" width="462" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Next I headed over to the main gazebo and the barn swallow nests were everywhere! I attempted to get some pics but no luck. Then I remembered I had a flash on my camera and got this!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YQpafP4GsUs/WWv9_x76kLI/AAAAAAAANNU/6nus318eRy4kcsv6tVHKwMOBZlC-4xNmQCLcBGAs/s1600/093A9242.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1468" data-original-width="1600" height="586" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YQpafP4GsUs/WWv9_x76kLI/AAAAAAAANNU/6nus318eRy4kcsv6tVHKwMOBZlC-4xNmQCLcBGAs/s640/093A9242.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I headed back to see the wood ducks by walking along the south end of the big pond. There were so many young barn swallows.......</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WasVZm8hl_I/WWv9_x6f4qI/AAAAAAAANNY/ELSmqPJocwM_9XGD62UYBe35248SWhlYgCLcBGAs/s1600/093A9265.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1223" data-original-width="1600" height="488" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WasVZm8hl_I/WWv9_x6f4qI/AAAAAAAANNY/ELSmqPJocwM_9XGD62UYBe35248SWhlYgCLcBGAs/s640/093A9265.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BGAgJ1FkVUY/WWv-AD4-NcI/AAAAAAAANNc/Vk4xImnRwdAGwBrkum69OgcdiKZDY-epgCLcBGAs/s1600/093A9268.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1347" data-original-width="1600" height="538" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BGAgJ1FkVUY/WWv-AD4-NcI/AAAAAAAANNc/Vk4xImnRwdAGwBrkum69OgcdiKZDY-epgCLcBGAs/s640/093A9268.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cVBnbaXmxGU/WWv-AYiEPDI/AAAAAAAANNg/W07ErF9fR4QktFogkBXgLhgqvsywOq82wCLcBGAs/s1600/093A9273.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1239" data-original-width="1600" height="494" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cVBnbaXmxGU/WWv-AYiEPDI/AAAAAAAANNg/W07ErF9fR4QktFogkBXgLhgqvsywOq82wCLcBGAs/s640/093A9273.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GyvFOQGoQj0/WWv-A8p_ZiI/AAAAAAAANNs/4hW4uyB9RIIVhU7ac5wqG81TyjkL-3CvACLcBGAs/s1600/093A9275.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="992" data-original-width="1600" height="396" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GyvFOQGoQj0/WWv-A8p_ZiI/AAAAAAAANNs/4hW4uyB9RIIVhU7ac5wqG81TyjkL-3CvACLcBGAs/s640/093A9275.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-G52fYD65fDA/WWv-A7rXW9I/AAAAAAAANNk/pK7cyEOTvsM-7LqlZPBeucx-CZpkk7NEgCLcBGAs/s1600/093A9284.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1437" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-G52fYD65fDA/WWv-A7rXW9I/AAAAAAAANNk/pK7cyEOTvsM-7LqlZPBeucx-CZpkk7NEgCLcBGAs/s640/093A9284.jpg" width="574" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There are at least five types of swallows around here but all I saw was the barn swallows.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Finally a lone tree swallow was spotted hanging with the barn swallows......</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IG7SQWDMmV4/WWv-A9yBwvI/AAAAAAAANNo/nVwktZj5xTQaSceMfqyTijIPxKvcs_BUgCLcBGAs/s1600/093A9287.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1535" data-original-width="981" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IG7SQWDMmV4/WWv-A9yBwvI/AAAAAAAANNo/nVwktZj5xTQaSceMfqyTijIPxKvcs_BUgCLcBGAs/s640/093A9287.jpg" width="408" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So I got back to the wood duck area and met up with Neal and Rich. Both are avid birders and fun to chat with.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Neal mentioned he saw a black crown night heron just down the trail, so I went looking for him.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Oh! He was on the other side of the water way but I was able to get a few pics of him enjoying some lovely frog!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yY46QK6g8do/WWv-BQK6SxI/AAAAAAAANN0/3nspPKPu5ms9WF4CVi6ZJLfSpH9wBVRaQCLcBGAs/s1600/093A9324.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="546" data-original-width="769" height="283" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yY46QK6g8do/WWv-BQK6SxI/AAAAAAAANN0/3nspPKPu5ms9WF4CVi6ZJLfSpH9wBVRaQCLcBGAs/s400/093A9324.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kQkR_Cl9Khs/WWv-BQnxYFI/AAAAAAAANN4/5o0hEqqFQOsHE0RGPbl9HcP6OxFVyPRUgCLcBGAs/s1600/093A9334.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="382" data-original-width="609" height="250" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kQkR_Cl9Khs/WWv-BQnxYFI/AAAAAAAANN4/5o0hEqqFQOsHE0RGPbl9HcP6OxFVyPRUgCLcBGAs/s400/093A9334.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The turtles made an appearance....</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9Fn6Dyy8o3w/WWv-B8zNrNI/AAAAAAAANOA/nBlxOoYub5IpgxyWGqhz8NEA9da1P3deQCLcBGAs/s1600/093A9341.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="893" data-original-width="1600" height="356" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9Fn6Dyy8o3w/WWv-B8zNrNI/AAAAAAAANOA/nBlxOoYub5IpgxyWGqhz8NEA9da1P3deQCLcBGAs/s640/093A9341.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here's a frog that wasn't breakfast.......</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Snl6n5fPIJE/WWv-BlR04oI/AAAAAAAANN8/uhyydgGHA8onB0dbkHApIhbX1uO_u92WgCLcBGAs/s1600/093A9355.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="462" data-original-width="678" height="436" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Snl6n5fPIJE/WWv-BlR04oI/AAAAAAAANN8/uhyydgGHA8onB0dbkHApIhbX1uO_u92WgCLcBGAs/s640/093A9355.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3dDNwJwncXc/WWv-DgqBUSI/AAAAAAAANOs/vbzo5l-RSxU9AWCAb8Tg7Bu-6eEdZdS0QCEwYBhgL/s1600/093A9511.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="609" data-original-width="799" height="486" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3dDNwJwncXc/WWv-DgqBUSI/AAAAAAAANOs/vbzo5l-RSxU9AWCAb8Tg7Bu-6eEdZdS0QCEwYBhgL/s640/093A9511.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So I had looked for the hooded merganser youngsters on the back pond but had no luck. But when I chatted with the guys, Rich said he had just seen them. So I hustled back there and there they were! Wow! They are just about full size already! There were five youngsters last time I was here and now there are four. Pretty good as there is a high attrition rate among ducklings......</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RC3mVKOd0HI/WWv-CBXDhhI/AAAAAAAANOI/mtSTk9wq6NwuCIJu-3hCABbd4lgErjNZwCLcBGAs/s1600/093A9376.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1183" data-original-width="1600" height="472" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RC3mVKOd0HI/WWv-CBXDhhI/AAAAAAAANOI/mtSTk9wq6NwuCIJu-3hCABbd4lgErjNZwCLcBGAs/s640/093A9376.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">While watching the ducks, I heard some commotion and saw one of the swainson's hawks was getting bombarded by some kingbirds.....</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EdMN9iEM6mA/WWv-CXO2o6I/AAAAAAAANOQ/2SyHEGNaiBAHzRQk_bYFwy31m4izmx_9QCLcBGAs/s1600/093A9416.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1010" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EdMN9iEM6mA/WWv-CXO2o6I/AAAAAAAANOQ/2SyHEGNaiBAHzRQk_bYFwy31m4izmx_9QCLcBGAs/s640/093A9416.jpg" width="402" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2DdZ0Qd-j6s/WWv-DJSOdYI/AAAAAAAANOc/5clhFVLR_1siGitoY9Z43O1mautHdgAvgCLcBGAs/s1600/093A9451.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1041" data-original-width="1600" height="416" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2DdZ0Qd-j6s/WWv-DJSOdYI/AAAAAAAANOc/5clhFVLR_1siGitoY9Z43O1mautHdgAvgCLcBGAs/s640/093A9451.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DiGHmMtWJ7I/WWv-DO_BhPI/AAAAAAAANOg/r9bPfPvcx7wVGzjjyslvURXlkCLU7VoSgCLcBGAs/s1600/093A9467.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1093" data-original-width="1340" height="522" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DiGHmMtWJ7I/WWv-DO_BhPI/AAAAAAAANOg/r9bPfPvcx7wVGzjjyslvURXlkCLU7VoSgCLcBGAs/s640/093A9467.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tSuActRXVzM/WWv-DKx2rUI/AAAAAAAANOY/1C1UUdM_tDwxh0QerNR45TZ19ogYqsJVQCLcBGAs/s1600/093A9475.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="949" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tSuActRXVzM/WWv-DKx2rUI/AAAAAAAANOY/1C1UUdM_tDwxh0QerNR45TZ19ogYqsJVQCLcBGAs/s640/093A9475.jpg" width="526" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Finally after lots of preening, they snuggled together and took a nap.......</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Dmqmye2TgPE/WWv-DQTMAkI/AAAAAAAANOo/3M5BjCp1riw9g6XR_00LABikxaBHDjBwwCLcBGAs/s1600/093A9506.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="858" data-original-width="1539" height="356" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Dmqmye2TgPE/WWv-DQTMAkI/AAAAAAAANOo/3M5BjCp1riw9g6XR_00LABikxaBHDjBwwCLcBGAs/s640/093A9506.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Whew! It was getting hot and I realized I'd been photographing for four hours...sweet! Time flies when you're having fun!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So I headed back towards the car. But along the way, a chickadee posed for me.....</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cG5W6yktevQ/WWv-DoPQUKI/AAAAAAAANOw/eGXLuj5d3KoWcmm9_mTl5IfiWTeV8dGJACLcBGAs/s1600/093A9518.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="891" data-original-width="1342" height="424" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cG5W6yktevQ/WWv-DoPQUKI/AAAAAAAANOw/eGXLuj5d3KoWcmm9_mTl5IfiWTeV8dGJACLcBGAs/s640/093A9518.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And thanks to Neal for pointing out this mourning dove nest. I would have never spotted him. The male sits on the nest during the day and the female does the night shift.....cool!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uSMzBCPMDOE/WWv-DzIo0cI/AAAAAAAANO0/X1H-XGD7e9kE0VpvAfCXeMth287LLRKPACLcBGAs/s1600/093A9528.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1147" data-original-width="1600" height="458" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uSMzBCPMDOE/WWv-DzIo0cI/AAAAAAAANO0/X1H-XGD7e9kE0VpvAfCXeMth287LLRKPACLcBGAs/s640/093A9528.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Of course I had to check on the cooper's one last time. Along the way I spotted another young kestrel.....</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sz2bWdJuTm4/WWv-D7Sh4RI/AAAAAAAANO4/PxB7N7chYuYZ08qjPdSFwm6FzyL-F6juACLcBGAs/s1600/093A9557.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="994" data-original-width="797" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sz2bWdJuTm4/WWv-D7Sh4RI/AAAAAAAANO4/PxB7N7chYuYZ08qjPdSFwm6FzyL-F6juACLcBGAs/s640/093A9557.jpg" width="512" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The young cooper's were not close by but I did spot one of the parents. I think it was dad....</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-spVliD6VlpQ/WWv-ELj5SsI/AAAAAAAANO8/-ZWMq7k-nMQea3kOF6fRA7-qhNXzYB6xACLcBGAs/s1600/093A9565.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="940" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-spVliD6VlpQ/WWv-ELj5SsI/AAAAAAAANO8/-ZWMq7k-nMQea3kOF6fRA7-qhNXzYB6xACLcBGAs/s640/093A9565.jpg" width="374" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Well, it was such an amazing morning! It was well worth getting up super early for such a fun day! Thanks for reading!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>Alexa Boyeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16747241225405199044noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1856431204466871897.post-39541366591267062812017-07-09T16:36:00.000-07:002017-07-09T16:36:03.516-07:00Short But Sweet<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I wanted to go out photographing and I wanted to go hiking with Hazel dog. She is such a good dog that I can combine my two loves! Any time I stop to photograph something she just lays down and waits for me.....so damn cute! I don't have to tell her to lay down or sit, she just does it......</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I decided to get out as early as possible because it was supposed to be around 96' today. So the earlier we got out, the cooler it would be. We got to the boulder valley ranch loop at 5:30am...early!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I heard the yellow breasted chat, the bullock's orioles and the chickadees singing but they were all in the the thick brush along the trail.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Finally I spotted this young eastern kingbird.....</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rnUAjXDRv34/WWKwoLBEAQI/AAAAAAAANLA/ptvpXlo-wgkcpM13vZUmlGFPyVLEOfvfwCLcBGAs/s1600/093A8880.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1248" data-original-width="1026" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rnUAjXDRv34/WWKwoLBEAQI/AAAAAAAANLA/ptvpXlo-wgkcpM13vZUmlGFPyVLEOfvfwCLcBGAs/s640/093A8880.jpg" width="526" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">some beautiful flowers....</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cAyETrLchT0/WWKwpwntGnI/AAAAAAAANLM/O0jCNfgfIzc-fWMlCiApsUnE8OzLgQzLACLcBGAs/s1600/093A8886.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1108" data-original-width="1600" height="442" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cAyETrLchT0/WWKwpwntGnI/AAAAAAAANLM/O0jCNfgfIzc-fWMlCiApsUnE8OzLgQzLACLcBGAs/s640/093A8886.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hazel and I headed down to the pond for some swimming and then doubled back up the hill.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Yes! I spotted one of the western kingbirds flying away from their nest. I never would have seen that nest as it is tucked in nicely.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GlHOZnnC25k/WWKwpJ7cBII/AAAAAAAANLE/6-kaSgsmi_M7TOKnRMaW8912PsVoBlQwACLcBGAs/s1600/093A8907.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1132" data-original-width="1600" height="452" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GlHOZnnC25k/WWKwpJ7cBII/AAAAAAAANLE/6-kaSgsmi_M7TOKnRMaW8912PsVoBlQwACLcBGAs/s640/093A8907.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The kingbird that was on the nest flew off and came back with breakfast...yum! Mom/dad fed the youngsters in the nest. They were too small for me to see them so I'll be back soon to check on them.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jcDgri1dlEI/WWKwppxcTvI/AAAAAAAANLI/4Wmc40ph4kUQSIAgS66pu216oB9ns5F2ACLcBGAs/s1600/093A8925.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1066" data-original-width="891" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jcDgri1dlEI/WWKwppxcTvI/AAAAAAAANLI/4Wmc40ph4kUQSIAgS66pu216oB9ns5F2ACLcBGAs/s640/093A8925.jpg" width="534" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WsMhtGAq9SM/WWKwqZsbuuI/AAAAAAAANLY/eE8oRyx0GHYcjvHBmy_7lOAEGO1bGpIMgCLcBGAs/s1600/093A8936.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="964" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WsMhtGAq9SM/WWKwqZsbuuI/AAAAAAAANLY/eE8oRyx0GHYcjvHBmy_7lOAEGO1bGpIMgCLcBGAs/s640/093A8936.jpg" width="384" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AwG4ckSokWU/WWKwqWdgF-I/AAAAAAAANLU/yBcV6pwWTr4obwR3vM-RQ8v2cbC_VnqegCLcBGAs/s1600/093A8939.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="582" data-original-width="777" height="478" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AwG4ckSokWU/WWKwqWdgF-I/AAAAAAAANLU/yBcV6pwWTr4obwR3vM-RQ8v2cbC_VnqegCLcBGAs/s640/093A8939.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We were almost back to the trailhead and finally a bullock's oriole posed for me......</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CGG1a01_AXI/WWKwqeGU6cI/AAAAAAAANLc/Bx8us_XuuiQzGPFr7oI_jYFrBRu-xMOGQCLcBGAs/s1600/093A8973.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="784" data-original-width="505" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CGG1a01_AXI/WWKwqeGU6cI/AAAAAAAANLc/Bx8us_XuuiQzGPFr7oI_jYFrBRu-xMOGQCLcBGAs/s640/093A8973.jpg" width="412" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And this house finch was enjoying some breakfast too!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/--jc2fGB6sgY/WWKwqrUnK3I/AAAAAAAANLg/bBn2FQulxJgN1nPHL_EJWPk5HJ-0apTIwCLcBGAs/s1600/093A8980.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="866" data-original-width="831" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/--jc2fGB6sgY/WWKwqrUnK3I/AAAAAAAANLg/bBn2FQulxJgN1nPHL_EJWPk5HJ-0apTIwCLcBGAs/s640/093A8980.jpg" width="614" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UQGbreI0JBg/WWKwq3tyfpI/AAAAAAAANLk/qYfRHBb5_f0iukG19XWduXU4YIQ-9bn2QCLcBGAs/s1600/093A8990.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1170" data-original-width="1600" height="466" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UQGbreI0JBg/WWKwq3tyfpI/AAAAAAAANLk/qYfRHBb5_f0iukG19XWduXU4YIQ-9bn2QCLcBGAs/s640/093A8990.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hazel and I had a fun time. She got to go swimming and I got to do a bit of photographing. We were home by 8am for breakfast, coffee and to watch the tour de France!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Thanks for reading!</span>Alexa Boyeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16747241225405199044noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1856431204466871897.post-17964528325194082642017-06-25T16:28:00.000-07:002017-06-25T16:28:58.860-07:00Fun Day at my Favorite Spot<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> It's been at least 6 weeks since I've been to my favorite spot, so today was </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> the day to get down there! I wanted to be there around sunrise which is about 5:30am.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Ouch! That meant getting up around 4:15am which I was able to do without the help </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> of an alarm clock. The kitties and Hazel were happy to score an early breakfast. And I </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> was happy for a large cup of coffee in hand as I headed out the door.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> A fellow photographer had let me know about a family of hooded mergansers! Sweet! </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> I've been going here at least 6 years and have only seen adult hoodies in the winter. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> So I was excited to see them and hopefully get some good pics.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> I could hear the avocets calling but there was no time to check it out as I was on a </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> mission to see the mergansers. So I made a beeline to their location.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> This barn swallow caught my eye, so had to grab a quick pic.....</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-D63az9LdksU/WVA4MgNqwII/AAAAAAAANHs/iEOp5geaQ6MBvKcJ3FhjBkrmgmVVQhgDwCLcBGAs/s1600/093A8274.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1218" data-original-width="1169" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-D63az9LdksU/WVA4MgNqwII/AAAAAAAANHs/iEOp5geaQ6MBvKcJ3FhjBkrmgmVVQhgDwCLcBGAs/s640/093A8274.jpg" width="614" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> I found the merganser family easily but the light was not the best. So I attempted to get </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> some pics.......</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EQ--COz_L0E/WVA4OQTKh4I/AAAAAAAANHw/eu-44-GKmI8a6Cco14dmNTRKwH2xwCUIwCLcBGAs/s1600/093A8321.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="622" data-original-width="1600" height="248" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EQ--COz_L0E/WVA4OQTKh4I/AAAAAAAANHw/eu-44-GKmI8a6Cco14dmNTRKwH2xwCUIwCLcBGAs/s640/093A8321.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-J-P3Uhw1s4s/WVA4Q3rgIHI/AAAAAAAANIE/i58XjkKvl7oWLrdm-UCo5ZnafMB9g3e7ACLcBGAs/s1600/093A8355.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-J-P3Uhw1s4s/WVA4Q3rgIHI/AAAAAAAANIE/i58XjkKvl7oWLrdm-UCo5ZnafMB9g3e7ACLcBGAs/s640/093A8355.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Yum! Crayfish for breakfast.......</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dBE-ncZSlCk/WVA4PZoLdZI/AAAAAAAANH4/mFv8J7dDVqcHEm6Hhet8k0zyLNs5YDdbACLcBGAs/s1600/093A8382.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="901" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dBE-ncZSlCk/WVA4PZoLdZI/AAAAAAAANH4/mFv8J7dDVqcHEm6Hhet8k0zyLNs5YDdbACLcBGAs/s640/093A8382.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I decided to do a lap and then get back to check on the mergansers when the light was better.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There's a tree swallow nest in a tree stump that is fun to watch. Here the swallow has a mouthful of insects for the kids...yum!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FlOUY6S60YM/WVA4PcTPvLI/AAAAAAAANH0/z79XX_QoeYwOyPoA_1jvMBZB46f8Clz5ACLcBGAs/s1600/093A8413-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="377" data-original-width="552" height="272" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FlOUY6S60YM/WVA4PcTPvLI/AAAAAAAANH0/z79XX_QoeYwOyPoA_1jvMBZB46f8Clz5ACLcBGAs/s400/093A8413-2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vQKY3h3kbkY/WVA4QkNsrfI/AAAAAAAANIA/e0znEEKp9gAIRLMjuMJF8k7YvyevG3kZACLcBGAs/s1600/093A8413.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1197" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vQKY3h3kbkY/WVA4QkNsrfI/AAAAAAAANIA/e0znEEKp9gAIRLMjuMJF8k7YvyevG3kZACLcBGAs/s640/093A8413.jpg" width="478" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There were lots of geese but I only saw this one gosling......</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OfRrG7PEi3c/WVA4Qn6k-GI/AAAAAAAANH8/EcfWD9QJfCAhvX-2tfSCUwFMn66kvWVZACLcBGAs/s1600/093A8482.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="911" data-original-width="1289" height="452" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OfRrG7PEi3c/WVA4Qn6k-GI/AAAAAAAANH8/EcfWD9QJfCAhvX-2tfSCUwFMn66kvWVZACLcBGAs/s640/093A8482.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And here's some young grackles waiting for breakfast.......</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9NFfilyEla8/WVA4RocxnBI/AAAAAAAANII/Xhsil2FIoukinSyY3Whv2wskAxYnoPN0QCLcBGAs/s1600/093A8494.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1147" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9NFfilyEla8/WVA4RocxnBI/AAAAAAAANII/Xhsil2FIoukinSyY3Whv2wskAxYnoPN0QCLcBGAs/s640/093A8494.jpg" width="458" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A snowy egret showed up in the same pond as the mergansers......</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JZJmAxNSRM0/WVA4Rxz7_SI/AAAAAAAANIM/jWKhwwitqIgT1bOobj5F6ls4DfoZLJvxQCLcBGAs/s1600/093A8508.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1240" data-original-width="1600" height="496" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JZJmAxNSRM0/WVA4Rxz7_SI/AAAAAAAANIM/jWKhwwitqIgT1bOobj5F6ls4DfoZLJvxQCLcBGAs/s640/093A8508.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Now the light was a bit harsh but I did my best to get some pics.......</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9sdfAPWAHkI/WVA4SzyLkzI/AAAAAAAANIY/i2d6wjXn5Ac8Lln9AjwaIIhkSl3Y0xBKQCLcBGAs/s1600/093A8519.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="811" data-original-width="1600" height="324" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9sdfAPWAHkI/WVA4SzyLkzI/AAAAAAAANIY/i2d6wjXn5Ac8Lln9AjwaIIhkSl3Y0xBKQCLcBGAs/s640/093A8519.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HSnKurU_v54/WVA4Sqh4nEI/AAAAAAAANIQ/n7wJuZ8QahIlWO4_ZJAKpdxAeW3W-128QCLcBGAs/s1600/093A8528.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1025" data-original-width="1600" height="408" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HSnKurU_v54/WVA4Sqh4nEI/AAAAAAAANIQ/n7wJuZ8QahIlWO4_ZJAKpdxAeW3W-128QCLcBGAs/s640/093A8528.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I started to do another lap but this young robin caught my eye......</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-m8qbMnQ0mrg/WVA4U_Dm_YI/AAAAAAAANIo/HqFlAqqu60UHcrPcPGjH_COkR_OQVVAywCLcBGAs/s1600/093A8535.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1418" data-original-width="1600" height="566" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-m8qbMnQ0mrg/WVA4U_Dm_YI/AAAAAAAANIo/HqFlAqqu60UHcrPcPGjH_COkR_OQVVAywCLcBGAs/s640/093A8535.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And then the snowy put on a show, so I ended up staying at the back pond longer.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-01-l1DBx6K8/WVA4TQzDKSI/AAAAAAAANIc/5uTXFcTUwxEIiPMyKn2Sn7EEqDkqLpu7QCLcBGAs/s1600/093A8546.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="592" data-original-width="1600" height="236" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-01-l1DBx6K8/WVA4TQzDKSI/AAAAAAAANIc/5uTXFcTUwxEIiPMyKn2Sn7EEqDkqLpu7QCLcBGAs/s640/093A8546.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ppi0lIFmoQI/WVA4UqyjVUI/AAAAAAAANIg/V04V-EpICWUV_-raz5p6Xu9bbIuy8e8CgCLcBGAs/s1600/093A8565.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1579" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ppi0lIFmoQI/WVA4UqyjVUI/AAAAAAAANIg/V04V-EpICWUV_-raz5p6Xu9bbIuy8e8CgCLcBGAs/s640/093A8565.jpg" width="630" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After enjoying the snowy perched in the tree, I kept attempting to get some better merganser pics....</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TV2y8iygFdU/WVA4U-zEN4I/AAAAAAAANIk/2DlVHtKdumEiO_AjU4w9ZM8jaGFq5ZspgCLcBGAs/s1600/093A8582.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1600" height="398" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TV2y8iygFdU/WVA4U-zEN4I/AAAAAAAANIk/2DlVHtKdumEiO_AjU4w9ZM8jaGFq5ZspgCLcBGAs/s640/093A8582.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oDfElJjs1zU/WVA4VFb5P7I/AAAAAAAANIs/v5zNh06PXMgyc1lJaIkxQJLOKw2H_RMOACLcBGAs/s1600/093A8587.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="778" data-original-width="1059" height="470" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oDfElJjs1zU/WVA4VFb5P7I/AAAAAAAANIs/v5zNh06PXMgyc1lJaIkxQJLOKw2H_RMOACLcBGAs/s640/093A8587.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/--GL2whRdowE/WVA4XYgkLEI/AAAAAAAANI8/jtcdSWwT3BIFZWZHfVGZJy00C81ahyi9gCLcBGAs/s1600/093A8614.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1551" data-original-width="1600" height="620" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/--GL2whRdowE/WVA4XYgkLEI/AAAAAAAANI8/jtcdSWwT3BIFZWZHfVGZJy00C81ahyi9gCLcBGAs/s640/093A8614.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qHRDMzurERk/WVA4VsMovqI/AAAAAAAANIw/OCWUVOOVSyoGx1MPqauF409sbULSqnhyQCLcBGAs/s1600/093A8617.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1476" data-original-width="1504" height="628" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qHRDMzurERk/WVA4VsMovqI/AAAAAAAANIw/OCWUVOOVSyoGx1MPqauF409sbULSqnhyQCLcBGAs/s640/093A8617.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ujTZKhZ-rls/WVA4X0rE1QI/AAAAAAAANJA/vFBAj5-TEakYkySwlpx5ZqbzFFJgZX5fgCLcBGAs/s1600/093A8622.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1600" height="494" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ujTZKhZ-rls/WVA4X0rE1QI/AAAAAAAANJA/vFBAj5-TEakYkySwlpx5ZqbzFFJgZX5fgCLcBGAs/s640/093A8622.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My friends Neal and Rich who live in the neighborhood, joined me and we all enjoyed the mergansers.....</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6R9C5JhNnA8/WVA4WVQAHfI/AAAAAAAANI0/bUJxDnCofJkTCD8WK6kydHylaKdHCNTxwCLcBGAs/s1600/093A8641.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1516" data-original-width="1600" height="606" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6R9C5JhNnA8/WVA4WVQAHfI/AAAAAAAANI0/bUJxDnCofJkTCD8WK6kydHylaKdHCNTxwCLcBGAs/s640/093A8641.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Finally Neal and Rich continued on their respective ways and I decided to attempt one more shot at merganser pics! Oh yeah, I scored! They had moved into a shady spot and mom grabbed a HUGE crayfish! It took her quite a few tries to swallow the monster!</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sQZGizFhlyU/WVA4XJTIleI/AAAAAAAANI4/QVPILRMI8kYtK1Nz8DdtNWTXtOHcVmLTQCLcBGAs/s1600/093A8658.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="993" data-original-width="1600" height="396" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sQZGizFhlyU/WVA4XJTIleI/AAAAAAAANI4/QVPILRMI8kYtK1Nz8DdtNWTXtOHcVmLTQCLcBGAs/s640/093A8658.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tmkzmZYOF4Q/WVA4YM9AklI/AAAAAAAANJE/U7Ct_JFNCnAmSU55luNPYNqkPsUR6LotQCLcBGAs/s1600/093A8659.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1062" data-original-width="1546" height="438" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tmkzmZYOF4Q/WVA4YM9AklI/AAAAAAAANJE/U7Ct_JFNCnAmSU55luNPYNqkPsUR6LotQCLcBGAs/s640/093A8659.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3wvHTWGRia0/WVA4YR3I_FI/AAAAAAAANJI/sSoq95kaT58LV7J7twarf7z6a2Sri9chwCLcBGAs/s1600/093A8662.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1088" data-original-width="1408" height="494" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3wvHTWGRia0/WVA4YR3I_FI/AAAAAAAANJI/sSoq95kaT58LV7J7twarf7z6a2Sri9chwCLcBGAs/s640/093A8662.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NEtO3VJfxgI/WVA4YsvlgDI/AAAAAAAANJM/Ur-_Gal0qjglfR_SyWyRoSqosSSvFd5nACLcBGAs/s1600/093A8666.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1142" data-original-width="1600" height="456" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NEtO3VJfxgI/WVA4YsvlgDI/AAAAAAAANJM/Ur-_Gal0qjglfR_SyWyRoSqosSSvFd5nACLcBGAs/s640/093A8666.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nYf4eLpuBW4/WVA4aWcb13I/AAAAAAAANJc/5xjyX1xaXJUuL-1ze4T8ByhnlR140Wm1ACLcBGAs/s1600/093A8675.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="959" data-original-width="1600" height="382" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nYf4eLpuBW4/WVA4aWcb13I/AAAAAAAANJc/5xjyX1xaXJUuL-1ze4T8ByhnlR140Wm1ACLcBGAs/s640/093A8675.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The youngsters are soon cute!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-F89KfsrApzQ/WVA4ZaRnreI/AAAAAAAANJU/8rS6pGfjTXEdDEs2Tt4horDPLE5lYhhMwCLcBGAs/s1600/093A8693.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1014" data-original-width="1600" height="404" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-F89KfsrApzQ/WVA4ZaRnreI/AAAAAAAANJU/8rS6pGfjTXEdDEs2Tt4horDPLE5lYhhMwCLcBGAs/s640/093A8693.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-35xgCwnxZ3E/WVA4aIz1C1I/AAAAAAAANJY/ogLUgtQPu0MI1pLuNUJdovnMENQrvcmmgCLcBGAs/s1600/093A8694.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1141" data-original-width="1600" height="456" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-35xgCwnxZ3E/WVA4aIz1C1I/AAAAAAAANJY/ogLUgtQPu0MI1pLuNUJdovnMENQrvcmmgCLcBGAs/s640/093A8694.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZIqheFyeaGs/WVA4b-p3qXI/AAAAAAAANJs/FY4GXwB3rOE6EhQsqCEt2TZMUQ8pqt0pwCLcBGAs/s1600/093A8698.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1053" data-original-width="1600" height="420" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZIqheFyeaGs/WVA4b-p3qXI/AAAAAAAANJs/FY4GXwB3rOE6EhQsqCEt2TZMUQ8pqt0pwCLcBGAs/s640/093A8698.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Finally I pulled myself away from the hoodies and met up with Neal near the northside of the park. While we were chatting, a spotted sandpiper anded nearby.....</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mBTH3c6xKmM/WVA4bI3s6hI/AAAAAAAANJg/nzksxiAuKege8oBh3AZpukn-rb2aBAQ9wCLcBGAs/s1600/093A8713.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1028" data-original-width="1185" height="554" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mBTH3c6xKmM/WVA4bI3s6hI/AAAAAAAANJg/nzksxiAuKege8oBh3AZpukn-rb2aBAQ9wCLcBGAs/s640/093A8713.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And one of the many great blue herons was enjoying the beautiful day....</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HbUz-RrhZEA/WVA4bl0IZUI/AAAAAAAANJk/tcM3U2QRaYALfm1SJVl5Yd2kWpOu1yzSACLcBGAs/s1600/093A8716.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1102" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HbUz-RrhZEA/WVA4bl0IZUI/AAAAAAAANJk/tcM3U2QRaYALfm1SJVl5Yd2kWpOu1yzSACLcBGAs/s640/093A8716.jpg" width="440" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ha! Neal and I had just talked about the lack of wood ducks this year. And we spotted this female woodie. No sign of ducklings, so maybe she's free and single!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yREqalHnHl0/WVA4bkCN3CI/AAAAAAAANJo/PFsA7aZfWosJr9Re-6NrVrUvPIoony4yACLcBGAs/s1600/093A8718.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1008" data-original-width="1401" height="460" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yREqalHnHl0/WVA4bkCN3CI/AAAAAAAANJo/PFsA7aZfWosJr9Re-6NrVrUvPIoony4yACLcBGAs/s640/093A8718.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I walked back to the bridge and one of the snowy egrets was looking for breakfast......</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-whjZdkDMClM/WVA4cVXk7LI/AAAAAAAANJw/BCnzdEjSr08en7IwU7WfK62oVrfVeSllQCLcBGAs/s1600/093A8728.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1247" data-original-width="1600" height="498" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-whjZdkDMClM/WVA4cVXk7LI/AAAAAAAANJw/BCnzdEjSr08en7IwU7WfK62oVrfVeSllQCLcBGAs/s640/093A8728.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I was thinking about heading home, when I heard the avocets very close by. Earlier I had seen them on the island with 3 chicks but they were too far away for any pics. They were very busy protecting their young from the GBH on the island. Yes, the GBH will eat very small birds, rodents,etc.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But now the avocets were very close by. Sweet! They had moved the chicks from the island to near the bridge. So damn cute!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-U17UauSXQbE/WVA4dHWSGNI/AAAAAAAANJ4/aqHyLsO6mf49m4PuX75c3gXLBf81mYQIgCLcBGAs/s1600/093A8737.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="953" data-original-width="895" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-U17UauSXQbE/WVA4dHWSGNI/AAAAAAAANJ4/aqHyLsO6mf49m4PuX75c3gXLBf81mYQIgCLcBGAs/s640/093A8737.jpg" width="600" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Th1OKlCGW2k/WVA4c5CiH4I/AAAAAAAANJ0/uKwzDiT4QScC7aIbEcqe54fwy1PiRFF2gCLcBGAs/s1600/093A8741.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="757" data-original-width="1600" height="302" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Th1OKlCGW2k/WVA4c5CiH4I/AAAAAAAANJ0/uKwzDiT4QScC7aIbEcqe54fwy1PiRFF2gCLcBGAs/s640/093A8741.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fQRaRvpFeRk/WVA4dNP-_iI/AAAAAAAANJ8/qn4hV_S2o-E_Lyq_VWA-NO4qO_EVNDzfACLcBGAs/s1600/093A8746.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1078" data-original-width="1600" height="430" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fQRaRvpFeRk/WVA4dNP-_iI/AAAAAAAANJ8/qn4hV_S2o-E_Lyq_VWA-NO4qO_EVNDzfACLcBGAs/s640/093A8746.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XTJamguNUKE/WVA4dY5OHaI/AAAAAAAANKA/ois9n6QaiQcNqec9dDGWsn5GHWGdHOFBACLcBGAs/s1600/093A8755.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1020" data-original-width="1293" height="504" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XTJamguNUKE/WVA4dY5OHaI/AAAAAAAANKA/ois9n6QaiQcNqec9dDGWsn5GHWGdHOFBACLcBGAs/s640/093A8755.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oQKjwjQCnyE/WVA4gTjA83I/AAAAAAAANKQ/MRACU-EDX4MSvkxozo-eEusp0uLvM3LpwCLcBGAs/s1600/093A8759.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1325" data-original-width="1600" height="528" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oQKjwjQCnyE/WVA4gTjA83I/AAAAAAAANKQ/MRACU-EDX4MSvkxozo-eEusp0uLvM3LpwCLcBGAs/s640/093A8759.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YEQR2SlXLL0/WVA4fYQdsaI/AAAAAAAANKI/AXOpS48vkXkCPEz5F1GQEaEAbULatfseACLcBGAs/s1600/093A8762.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="758" data-original-width="1600" height="302" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YEQR2SlXLL0/WVA4fYQdsaI/AAAAAAAANKI/AXOpS48vkXkCPEz5F1GQEaEAbULatfseACLcBGAs/s640/093A8762.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FIt55smewgU/WVA4eWaUTFI/AAAAAAAANKE/DP5ahSiTfyw_6DnvvTE8QOVkWXqRN5BSACLcBGAs/s1600/093A8767.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="949" data-original-width="1444" height="420" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FIt55smewgU/WVA4eWaUTFI/AAAAAAAANKE/DP5ahSiTfyw_6DnvvTE8QOVkWXqRN5BSACLcBGAs/s640/093A8767.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Mom and dad avocet were very busy protecting the kids from this snowy egret......</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dxTofmtbu7Q/WVA4gNgHFvI/AAAAAAAANKM/VeDZOwKSKMAXegFzr6R7zBfwraTcsnpgACLcBGAs/s1600/093A8781.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1100" data-original-width="1600" height="438" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dxTofmtbu7Q/WVA4gNgHFvI/AAAAAAAANKM/VeDZOwKSKMAXegFzr6R7zBfwraTcsnpgACLcBGAs/s640/093A8781.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The snowy was not interested in the chicks but the parents were taking no chances! After chatting with Neal, the consensus was that the first batch of chicks the avocets had earlier this season did not survive( dinner for the GBH?) So they were now even more protective of the new batch.....</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UwoVQyB-gxs/WVA4hAsTt_I/AAAAAAAANKU/pGSofyy9enAkt0d7ZSw3NxvY81wG09gxwCLcBGAs/s1600/093A8812.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1240" data-original-width="1600" height="496" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UwoVQyB-gxs/WVA4hAsTt_I/AAAAAAAANKU/pGSofyy9enAkt0d7ZSw3NxvY81wG09gxwCLcBGAs/s640/093A8812.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Now it was time to go home but I did have to check on the cooper's hawks. Mom was on the nest and dad quickly flew in to let me know he was on guard. Thankfully he did not dive bomb me......</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4t_RsRi5trI/WVA4hQTgKoI/AAAAAAAANKY/uHmWEmMb-iEIEQMac-_kHyuQjzK1DptQQCLcBGAs/s1600/093A8846.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1148" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4t_RsRi5trI/WVA4hQTgKoI/AAAAAAAANKY/uHmWEmMb-iEIEQMac-_kHyuQjzK1DptQQCLcBGAs/s640/093A8846.jpg" width="458" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So I was headed home but decided to swing by the OSMP offices on Cherryvale to see if the bobolinks were around. Yup!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sJbafMMqqo0/WVA4hSs-Y4I/AAAAAAAANKc/bd0ANL5gnMsynThynCYy4KLL-4sC2UkYwCLcBGAs/s1600/093A8859.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="901" data-original-width="887" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sJbafMMqqo0/WVA4hSs-Y4I/AAAAAAAANKc/bd0ANL5gnMsynThynCYy4KLL-4sC2UkYwCLcBGAs/s640/093A8859.jpg" width="630" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And the savannah sparrows were around too!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8L39uJ9JloE/WVA4hrDwIDI/AAAAAAAANKg/LHm--ALMWvgPHxLHC1ZX1tqVHQoJfo5HwCLcBGAs/s1600/093A8869.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1003" data-original-width="1204" height="532" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8L39uJ9JloE/WVA4hrDwIDI/AAAAAAAANKg/LHm--ALMWvgPHxLHC1ZX1tqVHQoJfo5HwCLcBGAs/s640/093A8869.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Well, what a fun morning! I will have to get back soon to see how the hoodie family and avocet chicks are doing.......stay tuned and thanks for reading!</span>Alexa Boyeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16747241225405199044noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1856431204466871897.post-41539811241658086302017-06-18T20:14:00.001-07:002017-06-18T20:14:11.144-07:00Sunday and Sunday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So last Sunday, Hazel and I hiked at Buttonrock. We did almost 8 miles by doing the sleepy lion trail both ways plus we hiked up to the rez for some swimming time....</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I did get some nice flower pics but never sat down to post them. So here they are.......</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My college classmate- Janet was moving from Colorado to Montana and came upon some wildflower books that she sent to me. So I attempted to use them to start learning the names of these beautiful flowers. If I misnamed any of them,please let me know as I am a newbie....</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">wild geranium</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mzK6VAUIp30/WUcUfHHtgEI/AAAAAAAANF4/USpfgFRPChQERsYTe6y7D-CaeJsl9JcoACLcBGAs/s1600/093A7859.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1400" data-original-width="1600" height="560" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mzK6VAUIp30/WUcUfHHtgEI/AAAAAAAANF4/USpfgFRPChQERsYTe6y7D-CaeJsl9JcoACLcBGAs/s640/093A7859.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> western spiderwort</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bboWCSAEWOw/WUcUesaADBI/AAAAAAAANF0/2KZwLQfHtZM7uzl6NSkK0-rhUgv1PIfdACLcBGAs/s1600/093A7868.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1452" data-original-width="1600" height="580" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bboWCSAEWOw/WUcUesaADBI/AAAAAAAANF0/2KZwLQfHtZM7uzl6NSkK0-rhUgv1PIfdACLcBGAs/s640/093A7868.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> meadow arnica</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vK-RvPaw6XU/WUcUgXjmbGI/AAAAAAAANF8/b6BA_bCC7pQU1_ASy1EHjWjTxLRlPUNsACLcBGAs/s1600/093A7897.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1510" data-original-width="1600" height="602" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vK-RvPaw6XU/WUcUgXjmbGI/AAAAAAAANF8/b6BA_bCC7pQU1_ASy1EHjWjTxLRlPUNsACLcBGAs/s640/093A7897.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> hairy evening primrose</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/--fzvwlQZWOU/WUcUgsGQIFI/AAAAAAAANGA/vNdWAGREBXYG58IfT45L67R8Xe-Wt4azgCLcBGAs/s1600/093A7923.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1580" data-original-width="1600" height="632" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/--fzvwlQZWOU/WUcUgsGQIFI/AAAAAAAANGA/vNdWAGREBXYG58IfT45L67R8Xe-Wt4azgCLcBGAs/s640/093A7923.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1D-LEuRHoSk/WUcUhQJz8JI/AAAAAAAANHI/RaFDiIw-v2kBKh3MZvb_GsuxhAngkEvqgCEwYBhgL/s1600/093A7966.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1458" data-original-width="1600" height="582" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1D-LEuRHoSk/WUcUhQJz8JI/AAAAAAAANHI/RaFDiIw-v2kBKh3MZvb_GsuxhAngkEvqgCEwYBhgL/s640/093A7966.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> common mouse ear- </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> this is my favorite flower and it is as tiny as a mouse ear too...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ELhkB_F-CbQ/WUcUgpVBwVI/AAAAAAAANGE/A81qB_rD_bUqNYRDwMKXFGqZ0vpKo87FgCLcBGAs/s1600/093A7939.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1465" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ELhkB_F-CbQ/WUcUgpVBwVI/AAAAAAAANGE/A81qB_rD_bUqNYRDwMKXFGqZ0vpKo87FgCLcBGAs/s640/093A7939.jpg" width="586" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This is a flowering bush but not sure of the name.......</span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Vhg-OpDHPKM/WUcUhmqTQhI/AAAAAAAANGM/-Y8jrne-Jl0BCxAyl-yfXd1BT0w9Y6s-QCLcBGAs/s1600/093A8011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1261" data-original-width="1600" height="504" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Vhg-OpDHPKM/WUcUhmqTQhI/AAAAAAAANGM/-Y8jrne-Jl0BCxAyl-yfXd1BT0w9Y6s-QCLcBGAs/s640/093A8011.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And this flower is so delicate and stunningly beautiful but I could not find out who this is....</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mTs4VcrcQ_A/WUcUisuy9GI/AAAAAAAANGU/8f8CzvxIJpstn7WxhLM6GI31F905h6M7QCLcBGAs/s1600/093A8046.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1429" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mTs4VcrcQ_A/WUcUisuy9GI/AAAAAAAANGU/8f8CzvxIJpstn7WxhLM6GI31F905h6M7QCLcBGAs/s640/093A8046.jpg" width="570" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So today Hazel dog and I decided to hike the boulder valley ranch loop. I decided to bring my camera along just in case........</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Good thing I did as you will see!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">These flowers are very abundant around here. They are a bit smaller than a baseball. Their name is false dandelion....perfect!</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Nl9waoBvU6E/WUcUjscDcDI/AAAAAAAANGk/m-YY3YcqpjwB6Ooo3bxU_v4XPLrwsPzNQCLcBGAs/s1600/093A8054.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1569" data-original-width="1600" height="626" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Nl9waoBvU6E/WUcUjscDcDI/AAAAAAAANGk/m-YY3YcqpjwB6Ooo3bxU_v4XPLrwsPzNQCLcBGAs/s640/093A8054.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My western kingbirds were hanging out in their usual spot. I couldn't find their nest but they posed nicely for me......</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QtO-5EGj0WU/WUcUivHlzsI/AAAAAAAANGQ/FTp0kw88ofYyKweCGS4PtHIpk3oY7dFbgCLcBGAs/s1600/093A8079.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1289" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QtO-5EGj0WU/WUcUivHlzsI/AAAAAAAANGQ/FTp0kw88ofYyKweCGS4PtHIpk3oY7dFbgCLcBGAs/s640/093A8079.jpg" width="514" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iHd3C4Zzius/WUcUjeBhyWI/AAAAAAAANGY/sUtpaEyhS6sHG2bU2mQk7lSH1nxXZtfJwCLcBGAs/s1600/093A8090.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1325" data-original-width="1140" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iHd3C4Zzius/WUcUjeBhyWI/AAAAAAAANGY/sUtpaEyhS6sHG2bU2mQk7lSH1nxXZtfJwCLcBGAs/s640/093A8090.jpg" width="550" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We were halfway down to the pond when I spotted a bird on the fence. Yes! It was a northern harrier! These raptors are amazing! I know they nest at BVR but it's always a treat to see them. This one gave me some decent pics and then took off to find breakfast. Unlike redtail hawks which tend fly high in the sky to hunt for food, the harrier flies low over open fields hunting for food. So damn cool!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bWd7u4Z-gEM/WUcUjgyhUxI/AAAAAAAANGc/7bKT5L7eLvE4p-mTBnGK538dhGxf2NOTACLcBGAs/s1600/093A8097.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="943" data-original-width="684" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bWd7u4Z-gEM/WUcUjgyhUxI/AAAAAAAANGc/7bKT5L7eLvE4p-mTBnGK538dhGxf2NOTACLcBGAs/s640/093A8097.jpg" width="464" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JkhUaPMgpJo/WUcUjgL7DpI/AAAAAAAANGg/6vIcETOOjHIzx8bPPX29dIS5a8ocsCBBACLcBGAs/s1600/093A8102.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="635" data-original-width="465" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JkhUaPMgpJo/WUcUjgL7DpI/AAAAAAAANGg/6vIcETOOjHIzx8bPPX29dIS5a8ocsCBBACLcBGAs/s400/093A8102.jpg" width="292" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So I got some flight shots and then we continued to the pond so Hazel could go swimming! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Afterwards instead of doing the loop, we doubled back up the hill and the harrier gave me some more flight shots!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gyHiTYz1Rwg/WUcUkO4tqaI/AAAAAAAANGo/hG-HZhLilgEgT8dL1KyS-N7UjzAE8ePuACLcBGAs/s1600/093A8146.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="925" data-original-width="1600" height="368" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gyHiTYz1Rwg/WUcUkO4tqaI/AAAAAAAANGo/hG-HZhLilgEgT8dL1KyS-N7UjzAE8ePuACLcBGAs/s640/093A8146.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NJy7uLGdido/WUcUkh8H3pI/AAAAAAAANG0/4vVGQKPldZUTVD_sdYQpj8TEwUbcRvUlACLcBGAs/s1600/093A8170.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="854" data-original-width="829" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NJy7uLGdido/WUcUkh8H3pI/AAAAAAAANG0/4vVGQKPldZUTVD_sdYQpj8TEwUbcRvUlACLcBGAs/s640/093A8170.jpg" width="620" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-M6rLb-nV5So/WUcUkeldZgI/AAAAAAAANGs/EI0mbWSFfMk6qTUq6E-vt3pJi_0-144awCLcBGAs/s1600/093A8179.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1044" data-original-width="1600" height="416" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-M6rLb-nV5So/WUcUkeldZgI/AAAAAAAANGs/EI0mbWSFfMk6qTUq6E-vt3pJi_0-144awCLcBGAs/s640/093A8179.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WGoK3GJUrx8/WUcUkpPx14I/AAAAAAAANGw/kHJIBOf737ozCEdb-fplCC9g5iZ2P_bAQCLcBGAs/s1600/093A8182.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1472" data-original-width="1160" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WGoK3GJUrx8/WUcUkpPx14I/AAAAAAAANGw/kHJIBOf737ozCEdb-fplCC9g5iZ2P_bAQCLcBGAs/s640/093A8182.jpg" width="504" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The harrier finally flew off and then I spotted this little guy feeding right on the trail. Definitely a sparrow and most likely a chipping sparrow. There are over 25 types of sparrows, so it's an educated guess at best.....</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-98bImsBB6_s/WUcUk0KXkhI/AAAAAAAANG4/vpmse22GtMs0vCIxg0r9Wd6y910AfFS1QCLcBGAs/s1600/093A8205.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="910" data-original-width="1021" height="570" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-98bImsBB6_s/WUcUk0KXkhI/AAAAAAAANG4/vpmse22GtMs0vCIxg0r9Wd6y910AfFS1QCLcBGAs/s640/093A8205.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-U5fV0vE5fOo/WUcUk9T0UeI/AAAAAAAANG8/plQ4_xQnrUkE4TukHtSLKO5bO2654yjBQCLcBGAs/s1600/093A8212.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="842" data-original-width="681" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-U5fV0vE5fOo/WUcUk9T0UeI/AAAAAAAANG8/plQ4_xQnrUkE4TukHtSLKO5bO2654yjBQCLcBGAs/s640/093A8212.jpg" width="516" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Check out this flower.....I'm calling it a wild rose. Soooo beautiful!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uG0NBIzan6I/WUcUmS5Kc-I/AAAAAAAANHE/2Mn-D1Hf3Skxe4U-ztwuOoBJDu3zlOB-wCLcBGAs/s1600/093A8215.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1298" data-original-width="1600" height="518" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uG0NBIzan6I/WUcUmS5Kc-I/AAAAAAAANHE/2Mn-D1Hf3Skxe4U-ztwuOoBJDu3zlOB-wCLcBGAs/s640/093A8215.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-64WxXZYWqO8/WUcUmBShieI/AAAAAAAANHA/23HootUId1UJowr5Si_GGgl8rZS2NA2twCLcBGAs/s1600/093A8220.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1147" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-64WxXZYWqO8/WUcUmBShieI/AAAAAAAANHA/23HootUId1UJowr5Si_GGgl8rZS2NA2twCLcBGAs/s640/093A8220.jpg" width="458" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This is a south east corner of the pond. I've walked by this spot hundreds of times but today it caught my eye and had to grab a pic. And then I had to use the prism app and see what it looked like. I like them both......</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mkbi1SYGa6Q/WUca8xu1jyI/AAAAAAAANHg/nMF5oeov2ZU4F5cUxriCUKKOFbZDp2-SQCK4BGAYYCw/s1600/FullSizeRender.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mkbi1SYGa6Q/WUca8xu1jyI/AAAAAAAANHg/nMF5oeov2ZU4F5cUxriCUKKOFbZDp2-SQCK4BGAYYCw/s640/FullSizeRender.jpg" width="640" /></a><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-g09pl5wnhBA/WUcWotoin2I/AAAAAAAANHQ/UiqDo99QtG018qhF53B1Ujh7_PHpX2gDQCLcBGAs/s1600/Image-1%2B11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="478" data-original-width="640" height="476" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-g09pl5wnhBA/WUcWotoin2I/AAAAAAAANHQ/UiqDo99QtG018qhF53B1Ujh7_PHpX2gDQCLcBGAs/s640/Image-1%2B11.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I am so glad I brought my camera! A fun hike with Hazel and we got to see the harrier!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When we got back to the parking lot, there was a small running group. Looked like they were done and just visiting with each other. A man in street clothes came up and said hi. His wife was a runner and he was recovering from a running injury. So I'm guessing he felt a bit left out. So when he spotted my camera setup, he took that opportunity to chat.Seems they live in Kansas city and are just visiting lovely Boulder. He took my business card as he has a professional photographer friend he wanted to share it with. So I wonder what will come of this chance meeting.....</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Thanks for reading!</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />Alexa Boyeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16747241225405199044noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1856431204466871897.post-29155492685993628102017-05-29T14:15:00.000-07:002017-05-29T14:58:00.948-07:00Memorial Day Hike<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Yup! Another spectacular day in Colorado! I promised Hazel a fun hike because she sat home yesterday while I was out photographing. We had not been to Buttonrock since February, so it was time! With coffee in hand we jumped in the car and headed over. There's lots going on around here on Memorial day. There's the bolder boulder 10k race which attracts 50,000 people and also the boulder creek festival which is a three day event. So heading away from Boulder is the smart thing to do!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I didn't feel like lugging my camera on the hike today, so thought I'd just use my phone camera to give you a tour of Buttonrock! I also did some video which I hope actually works. I won't know until I publish the blog, so fingers crossed.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We were the second car in the parking lot...perfect! As you start up the road, dogs need to be on leash as a few people actually live back up in the hills, so they do drive on this dirt road.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">check out the waterfall........</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tltJzwi1nbM/WSx_QuCPJFI/AAAAAAAANB0/G-pvJh4UMDg-OvMTAhCIjOG_iiJcPDPqQCLcB/s1600/IMG_1985.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1058" data-original-width="1600" height="422" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tltJzwi1nbM/WSx_QuCPJFI/AAAAAAAANB0/G-pvJh4UMDg-OvMTAhCIjOG_iiJcPDPqQCLcB/s640/IMG_1985.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Listen to that!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/FcAIVrrx9dE/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/FcAIVrrx9dE?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It's just a 10 minute walk up the road to get to the sleepy lion trailhead.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aYp-2odRisE/WSx_e5QDYHI/AAAAAAAANB4/CLdFi5C7g2QcmCG2ptfzAJygqtNw3QoQgCLcB/s1600/IMG_1987.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aYp-2odRisE/WSx_e5QDYHI/AAAAAAAANB4/CLdFi5C7g2QcmCG2ptfzAJygqtNw3QoQgCLcB/s640/IMG_1987.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Hazel was happy to be FREE to run!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JvZ2D3vim2Q/WSx_rx0tCzI/AAAAAAAANB8/nMZ_a_ea-rYMNfuoCHdw3pkYCPtgZj2VwCLcB/s1600/IMG_1989.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1558" data-original-width="1600" height="622" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JvZ2D3vim2Q/WSx_rx0tCzI/AAAAAAAANB8/nMZ_a_ea-rYMNfuoCHdw3pkYCPtgZj2VwCLcB/s640/IMG_1989.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The trail is steeper than it looks....</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oVuQr6UKe7c/WSx_4-HSytI/AAAAAAAANCA/OfoMmo57PuAfnrym1fuifBIIaPIHks-GACLcB/s1600/IMG_1990.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oVuQr6UKe7c/WSx_4-HSytI/AAAAAAAANCA/OfoMmo57PuAfnrym1fuifBIIaPIHks-GACLcB/s640/IMG_1990.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The trail goes upward with a few switchbacks before opening into this beautiful meadow!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wDdHi1t529M/WSyAGYV4IGI/AAAAAAAANCY/MihSW4coaJY5D3fRTaaTmNYaKpTXCsZfgCLcB/s1600/IMG_1993.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wDdHi1t529M/WSyAGYV4IGI/AAAAAAAANCY/MihSW4coaJY5D3fRTaaTmNYaKpTXCsZfgCLcB/s640/IMG_1993.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LvO76lEIgSA/WSyAJ8Ih3sI/AAAAAAAANCc/ouPrnc8EUx06jB1p2qXNL0IfPPn6eTdZACLcB/s1600/IMG_1994.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1143" data-original-width="1600" height="456" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LvO76lEIgSA/WSyAJ8Ih3sI/AAAAAAAANCc/ouPrnc8EUx06jB1p2qXNL0IfPPn6eTdZACLcB/s640/IMG_1994.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">New hiking shoes and very white legs.......this is as close as I get to doing a selfie.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DnaOLCMZpSs/WSx__5I569I/AAAAAAAANCU/md6rwHvrgAkfqAh04GkkwMINEm_YtM6NwCLcB/s1600/IMG_1995.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1126" data-original-width="1600" height="450" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DnaOLCMZpSs/WSx__5I569I/AAAAAAAANCU/md6rwHvrgAkfqAh04GkkwMINEm_YtM6NwCLcB/s640/IMG_1995.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Hall ranch is another trail that connects to Buttonrock. But Hazel was bummed to see that no dogs are allowed.....</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sYVU0fjVmXg/WSyAQ5rV3qI/AAAAAAAANCo/EPewtYtes4wfO6DWO8Xeax3wYh7d2TddQCLcB/s1600/IMG_2009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1085" data-original-width="1600" height="432" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sYVU0fjVmXg/WSyAQ5rV3qI/AAAAAAAANCo/EPewtYtes4wfO6DWO8Xeax3wYh7d2TddQCLcB/s640/IMG_2009.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This is the view you get when you reach the high point of the trail. That is Ralph Price reservoir and our ultimate destination....</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ATs-wXNMEHI/WSyAQ57WuwI/AAAAAAAANCk/LNA_0dq6lCAA1JTfT9GDkKxuIjDJA5OvgCLcB/s1600/IMG_2011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1114" data-original-width="1600" height="444" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ATs-wXNMEHI/WSyAQ57WuwI/AAAAAAAANCk/LNA_0dq6lCAA1JTfT9GDkKxuIjDJA5OvgCLcB/s640/IMG_2011.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It's all down hill for now...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bT2PJsYrFDI/WSyArxH4vbI/AAAAAAAANC0/BaB8x5RTOPofn0Wpfyf_FITVMtooCgYnwCLcB/s1600/IMG_2012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bT2PJsYrFDI/WSyArxH4vbI/AAAAAAAANC0/BaB8x5RTOPofn0Wpfyf_FITVMtooCgYnwCLcB/s640/IMG_2012.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This pic does not do justice to how beautiful these and other wildflowers are. So Hazel and I will go back with my real camera and get some flower pics soon!</span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/--rm3T38-3Io/WSyAhXB4OCI/AAAAAAAANCw/To8JV8SVz_ISU_N0j6c9DXlPrpjnKgFgQCLcB/s1600/IMG_2019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/--rm3T38-3Io/WSyAhXB4OCI/AAAAAAAANCw/To8JV8SVz_ISU_N0j6c9DXlPrpjnKgFgQCLcB/s640/IMG_2019.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-86TtX_a3ZLo/WSyA16W9PFI/AAAAAAAANC8/s4iFzcMKq5g0kNGyc-mI9F7DM8udAS1KQCLcB/s1600/IMG_2022.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-86TtX_a3ZLo/WSyA16W9PFI/AAAAAAAANC8/s4iFzcMKq5g0kNGyc-mI9F7DM8udAS1KQCLcB/s640/IMG_2022.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/YxiPj3WPtME/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/YxiPj3WPtME?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">good for doggies to get a drink too....</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cJMIYIkKT4Y/WSyBVbRZeQI/AAAAAAAANDI/QMBtOSLkNx4dq4-toYo4mLoGPSE4D-c9ACLcB/s1600/IMG_2035.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cJMIYIkKT4Y/WSyBVbRZeQI/AAAAAAAANDI/QMBtOSLkNx4dq4-toYo4mLoGPSE4D-c9ACLcB/s640/IMG_2035.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The sleepy lion trail ends at the bottom of the dam.....</span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vUOxFj8qveE/WSyBTROFjBI/AAAAAAAANDE/bJd-J4Gm7IsABlAeFVm90qRzDJUfJQKGQCLcB/s1600/IMG_2039.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vUOxFj8qveE/WSyBTROFjBI/AAAAAAAANDE/bJd-J4Gm7IsABlAeFVm90qRzDJUfJQKGQCLcB/s640/IMG_2039.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Here's how the water level is regulated in the rez...</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RiJTmDpxJ2Q/WSyBhHGRLQI/AAAAAAAANDM/qiXKdF7Cg2ka8snQ5BXmdIphibxJ9oAoACLcB/s1600/IMG_2040.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RiJTmDpxJ2Q/WSyBhHGRLQI/AAAAAAAANDM/qiXKdF7Cg2ka8snQ5BXmdIphibxJ9oAoACLcB/s640/IMG_2040.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">wow!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/rguF6Stmogs/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/rguF6Stmogs?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Yes, that is a steep climb to get up to the rez....</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6HNpwSCOrco/WSyCMK0aWKI/AAAAAAAANDo/r5GA6xPfBqILDfkpdk4fWtCGFKbxWPG6ACLcB/s1600/IMG_2042.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6HNpwSCOrco/WSyCMK0aWKI/AAAAAAAANDo/r5GA6xPfBqILDfkpdk4fWtCGFKbxWPG6ACLcB/s640/IMG_2042.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">wildflowers!!!!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2VbiusuUwrU/WSyB7qncXCI/AAAAAAAANDg/AZ30LcfnMkUcrhGZnErfSVY9Dt5LrlKkwCLcB/s1600/IMG_2044.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1323" data-original-width="1588" height="532" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2VbiusuUwrU/WSyB7qncXCI/AAAAAAAANDg/AZ30LcfnMkUcrhGZnErfSVY9Dt5LrlKkwCLcB/s640/IMG_2044.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It's about a 10 minute uphill hike and this is the reward!</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NvVNicp7swk/WSyCeuqGkiI/AAAAAAAAND8/klgDg18rQ8MyGYkn5o5QAy0i1leR4sAcgCLcB/s1600/IMG_2046.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NvVNicp7swk/WSyCeuqGkiI/AAAAAAAAND8/klgDg18rQ8MyGYkn5o5QAy0i1leR4sAcgCLcB/s640/IMG_2046.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">When Hazel and I go to Coot lake, the tennis ball is part of the fun. But when we go on other hikes, the tennis ball does not appear until we reach our destination. And yes, Hazel knows it's time for the ball!!!!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RQmcYyWQNRo/WSyCf79dI1I/AAAAAAAANEA/XafopeLSTc8ZaKzm9nIM9NfsETRP7BwwgCLcB/s1600/IMG_2047.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RQmcYyWQNRo/WSyCf79dI1I/AAAAAAAANEA/XafopeLSTc8ZaKzm9nIM9NfsETRP7BwwgCLcB/s640/IMG_2047.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I found a comfortable rock to sit on and have breakfast while Hazel did some ball chasing...</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /><iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/u1iqK6ojPEE/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/u1iqK6ojPEE?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">After playing at the rez we took the road all the way back to the car. Now the parking lot was full with about 50 cars or so. This is why we always go early, especially on a holiday!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Thanks for reading! Hope you had a fun long weekend!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<br />Alexa Boyeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16747241225405199044noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1856431204466871897.post-70784745373372353462017-05-28T15:36:00.000-07:002017-05-28T15:36:56.973-07:00Sunday at Walden Ponds<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We are having some spectacular weather for Memorial Day weekend. So of course I had to get out for some photographing today! I decided to stay close to home, so I headed over to Walden Ponds. On the way, I took a look for my owl friends but no one was around. The youngsters are very mobile, so I knew it would be a crap shoot to find them. Oh well.....</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Walden Ponds did not disappoint! This cute robin welcomed me as I started out......</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QvZ-Q_j8yus/WStGTep7gII/AAAAAAAAM_8/8SaToge-B-MUDHlRDOuUudxvUO0kwS_VwCLcB/s1600/093A7179.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1118" data-original-width="1600" height="446" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QvZ-Q_j8yus/WStGTep7gII/AAAAAAAAM_8/8SaToge-B-MUDHlRDOuUudxvUO0kwS_VwCLcB/s640/093A7179.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The views of the snow capped mountains was amazing!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EQMZY8F0pyo/WStGfqWTyjI/AAAAAAAANAg/NE1nRzrV6FQhX6YcSdcmN5U_jcfwKZreACLcB/s1600/093A7187.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="978" data-original-width="1600" height="390" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EQMZY8F0pyo/WStGfqWTyjI/AAAAAAAANAg/NE1nRzrV6FQhX6YcSdcmN5U_jcfwKZreACLcB/s640/093A7187.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Yes! Yellow warblers are so gorgeous! This guy was high up in the tree but I had to attempt a few pics!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-e5gzhNhjbWk/WStGP7TXVKI/AAAAAAAAM_w/zwvNSjGlNa0W8UeksXW95GkznQ4xDO_RgCLcB/s1600/093A7193.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="844" data-original-width="984" height="548" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-e5gzhNhjbWk/WStGP7TXVKI/AAAAAAAAM_w/zwvNSjGlNa0W8UeksXW95GkznQ4xDO_RgCLcB/s640/093A7193.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Bullock's orioles were everywhere but they usually stay high up in the trees. I got very lucky with this flight shot and then he perched nearby. These birds are pretty special! They arrive in early May, quickly build a nest, have their young and head south in early August. So I always look forward to seeing them each spring!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KeaECVRlsjo/WStGRPis69I/AAAAAAAAM_0/iJ202EisiYAW7jRwT5d7vSpcxdrOxUN7gCLcB/s1600/093A7195.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="673" data-original-width="961" height="448" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KeaECVRlsjo/WStGRPis69I/AAAAAAAAM_0/iJ202EisiYAW7jRwT5d7vSpcxdrOxUN7gCLcB/s640/093A7195.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OMTxoC3kGDQ/WStGTE9h1_I/AAAAAAAAM_4/QgNTr3gX_mAwCXjVkkjUagdfbhxNt2fHACLcB/s1600/093A7203.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1125" data-original-width="792" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OMTxoC3kGDQ/WStGTE9h1_I/AAAAAAAAM_4/QgNTr3gX_mAwCXjVkkjUagdfbhxNt2fHACLcB/s640/093A7203.jpg" width="450" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I didn't walk far before seeing a tree full of swallows. This is a violet green swallow......</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gvPSQ6HZxFw/WStGUQlDnbI/AAAAAAAANAA/100znd6dfXkhb3bWQ57Rg2i2ISlnj42jwCLcB/s1600/093A7223.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1045" data-original-width="1281" height="522" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gvPSQ6HZxFw/WStGUQlDnbI/AAAAAAAANAA/100znd6dfXkhb3bWQ57Rg2i2ISlnj42jwCLcB/s640/093A7223.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">And this is a bank swallow! I would have thought it was a northern rough wing swallow but luckily I met a birder and after chatting about swallows, it helped me realize who this was.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UQE3r0KX0tM/WStGXGguj5I/AAAAAAAANAM/xRh3YvoOHtoLVnoMH1qvo8rZTrkyMyVFQCLcB/s1600/093A7229.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1063" data-original-width="1141" height="596" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UQE3r0KX0tM/WStGXGguj5I/AAAAAAAANAM/xRh3YvoOHtoLVnoMH1qvo8rZTrkyMyVFQCLcB/s640/093A7229.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The western wood-pewees were everywhere! Luckily this one posed nicely for me!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-G156w9irXFg/WStGVKa9YFI/AAAAAAAANAE/thJSSABja94lycnui7sI49Y8CkptkOk5wCLcB/s1600/093A7252.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1002" data-original-width="709" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-G156w9irXFg/WStGVKa9YFI/AAAAAAAANAE/thJSSABja94lycnui7sI49Y8CkptkOk5wCLcB/s640/093A7252.jpg" width="452" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ES2Vcdbx6xc/WStGWa5qeUI/AAAAAAAANAI/7SCPekW39BEg5fi_wQr8c1oeWeccaJAHACLcB/s1600/093A7261.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1027" data-original-width="852" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ES2Vcdbx6xc/WStGWa5qeUI/AAAAAAAANAI/7SCPekW39BEg5fi_wQr8c1oeWeccaJAHACLcB/s400/093A7261.jpg" width="331" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MPaH7cqeJUk/WStGXwzxsjI/AAAAAAAANAQ/7FkGXoU0v4gANixvdzIHE4gQDW79TDubQCLcB/s1600/093A7264.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1414" data-original-width="968" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MPaH7cqeJUk/WStGXwzxsjI/AAAAAAAANAQ/7FkGXoU0v4gANixvdzIHE4gQDW79TDubQCLcB/s640/093A7264.jpg" width="438" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The wrens were everywhere too!</span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TipkrKfzq3g/WStGbWk0YhI/AAAAAAAANAY/0lcHczfkoj0Zbc_zjshTgp3lvZtIyDNwQCLcB/s1600/093A7317.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1350" data-original-width="1480" height="582" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TipkrKfzq3g/WStGbWk0YhI/AAAAAAAANAY/0lcHczfkoj0Zbc_zjshTgp3lvZtIyDNwQCLcB/s640/093A7317.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BEpxM2_lCBI/WStGfmLepHI/AAAAAAAANAk/GOhn7XRfnmEaU1qFXGRvGl5vSs7bCt__wCLcB/s1600/093A7349.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1061" data-original-width="938" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BEpxM2_lCBI/WStGfmLepHI/AAAAAAAANAk/GOhn7XRfnmEaU1qFXGRvGl5vSs7bCt__wCLcB/s400/093A7349.jpg" width="352" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">And I saw one goose family!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MJr90n1P4fA/WStGfSIGE0I/AAAAAAAANAc/Crxo0P8IVac5wZyXhUITIgVvVDvANzugwCLcB/s1600/093A7327.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="792" data-original-width="1600" height="316" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MJr90n1P4fA/WStGfSIGE0I/AAAAAAAANAc/Crxo0P8IVac5wZyXhUITIgVvVDvANzugwCLcB/s640/093A7327.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Yea! Then a yellow warbler gave me some nice shots!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uSGFluViM4s/WStGhiBZ_0I/AAAAAAAANAs/iGsMK0n-8woqcEf5CZr02WKPuqwG413IwCLcB/s1600/093A7378.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1026" data-original-width="1600" height="410" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uSGFluViM4s/WStGhiBZ_0I/AAAAAAAANAs/iGsMK0n-8woqcEf5CZr02WKPuqwG413IwCLcB/s640/093A7378.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-I5pGRQ6Nxco/WStGkJjD_0I/AAAAAAAANA4/oKl0MEZhc14x5L4JjrKpL15tfYTKf2TBgCLcB/s1600/093A7381.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1165" data-original-width="1600" height="466" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-I5pGRQ6Nxco/WStGkJjD_0I/AAAAAAAANA4/oKl0MEZhc14x5L4JjrKpL15tfYTKf2TBgCLcB/s640/093A7381.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hh4hWKTS0Lw/WStGkISZvlI/AAAAAAAANA0/SJ5VLeSWlGEJPCwPgoovYsm5ehSp-lraQCLcB/s1600/093A7384.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="981" data-original-width="1514" height="414" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hh4hWKTS0Lw/WStGkISZvlI/AAAAAAAANA0/SJ5VLeSWlGEJPCwPgoovYsm5ehSp-lraQCLcB/s640/093A7384.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Sweet! My first sand piper of the season! I have been hearing them but not seeing them until today. </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GzDb82SPqF0/WStGi7ACZXI/AAAAAAAANAw/aztxIo9VrtsvFxlrEcKaiwapup_IrT10wCLcB/s1600/093A7400.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="572" data-original-width="870" height="262" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GzDb82SPqF0/WStGi7ACZXI/AAAAAAAANAw/aztxIo9VrtsvFxlrEcKaiwapup_IrT10wCLcB/s400/093A7400.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The sand piper was hanging out with the killdeer.....</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sz4I-EaKanc/WStGkdUCkdI/AAAAAAAANA8/G2bFAGllBYoe_-hYf6IQGidokNYr1mUugCLcB/s1600/093A7405.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="944" data-original-width="831" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sz4I-EaKanc/WStGkdUCkdI/AAAAAAAANA8/G2bFAGllBYoe_-hYf6IQGidokNYr1mUugCLcB/s640/093A7405.jpg" width="562" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Looks like they are having a meeting.....</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PgEPBTMnK88/WStGrGDEJ6I/AAAAAAAANBM/gwnkd2THF8sVU3MU4lFktTgmRAqW1_00QCLcB/s1600/093A7433.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="566" data-original-width="1600" height="226" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PgEPBTMnK88/WStGrGDEJ6I/AAAAAAAANBM/gwnkd2THF8sVU3MU4lFktTgmRAqW1_00QCLcB/s640/093A7433.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4ni3UJIQBV0/WStGm4TQP2I/AAAAAAAANBA/P94j9yiO08oUrrLYBZowI_52MR1u9TDcACLcB/s1600/093A7446.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="941" data-original-width="1600" height="376" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4ni3UJIQBV0/WStGm4TQP2I/AAAAAAAANBA/P94j9yiO08oUrrLYBZowI_52MR1u9TDcACLcB/s640/093A7446.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Turtle reflection!</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5D39ebA75OM/WStGqpk82yI/AAAAAAAANBI/zeVqpb-3CjQZd6ktFgDrIlpDYgckHaKhACLcB/s1600/093A7455.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1333" data-original-width="1600" height="532" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5D39ebA75OM/WStGqpk82yI/AAAAAAAANBI/zeVqpb-3CjQZd6ktFgDrIlpDYgckHaKhACLcB/s640/093A7455.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I was back at the trailhead and saw this robin with a mouthful of worms! Yum!</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IwHY5AOlLZ4/WStGqJvhTEI/AAAAAAAANBE/zNK0BQTc9eEzF9PTH9RH-sVyWZNNqe7VwCLcB/s1600/093A7464.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1252" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IwHY5AOlLZ4/WStGqJvhTEI/AAAAAAAANBE/zNK0BQTc9eEzF9PTH9RH-sVyWZNNqe7VwCLcB/s640/093A7464.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">And then she flew into her nest under the picnic shelter. Looks like two youngsters!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yR1i0iCjKFw/WStG1HXjY8I/AAAAAAAANBc/m1ylNKl1vnMxibOI5wSYgZq9trssTp2CgCLcB/s1600/093A7500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="836" data-original-width="1600" height="334" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yR1i0iCjKFw/WStG1HXjY8I/AAAAAAAANBc/m1ylNKl1vnMxibOI5wSYgZq9trssTp2CgCLcB/s640/093A7500.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">There was a pair of avocets in the main pond.I never get tired of seeing these birds!</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/--5Pc9CxBejQ/WStGtVSeGPI/AAAAAAAANBQ/N9mFS58_fjox0vCtwo1Cc9m0orwvD5dEQCLcB/s1600/093A7491.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1593" data-original-width="1444" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/--5Pc9CxBejQ/WStGtVSeGPI/AAAAAAAANBQ/N9mFS58_fjox0vCtwo1Cc9m0orwvD5dEQCLcB/s640/093A7491.jpg" width="580" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So next I stopped at 75th St but all was quiet so I headed back over to my see my owl friends. Just as I got out of the car, the crows were making a fuss. So of course I had to see what the fuss was. Yup! They were harassing Sonny. He was tucked into a big cottonwood and dealing with all the fuss nicely. Bummer, but he was not in a place to get any pics. The crews continued harassing him for a bit and then a sharp shinned hawk and a blue jay joined in too. It was quite noisy for a bit.....</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I decided to walk down the old nest trail. My friends and I had wondered if the owlets would get over there eventually. I didn't see anyone but I will check again soon.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I did see two large snapping turtles soaking up the sun. And I also ran into my drumming teacher, Gregg!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-037LGNrPdRw/WStGx5e0VbI/AAAAAAAANBU/voJaWWaRBK8lYNTbEWM_JydstrS0hZCmgCLcB/s1600/093A7520.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="950" data-original-width="1600" height="378" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-037LGNrPdRw/WStGx5e0VbI/AAAAAAAANBU/voJaWWaRBK8lYNTbEWM_JydstrS0hZCmgCLcB/s640/093A7520.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This nest hole was occupied by downy woodpeckers two summers ago. Now the wrens are taking it over......</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FVdk_Fgnanw/WStG1IUS6jI/AAAAAAAANBY/cD0p3h_e-wgubHwFC7s8zyCeaLFTVmxEgCLcB/s1600/093A7528.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1472" data-original-width="1600" height="588" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FVdk_Fgnanw/WStG1IUS6jI/AAAAAAAANBY/cD0p3h_e-wgubHwFC7s8zyCeaLFTVmxEgCLcB/s640/093A7528.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It was time to head home and I took the scenic route through Lagerman rez and crane hollow road. Here's a couple of views of Longs Peak.....</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PEgPvvbFi-4/WStG8FYTPrI/AAAAAAAANBk/iGduutnLhEASpXirio1K2eoT9fi5l7yrACLcB/s1600/093A7531.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1013" data-original-width="1600" height="404" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PEgPvvbFi-4/WStG8FYTPrI/AAAAAAAANBk/iGduutnLhEASpXirio1K2eoT9fi5l7yrACLcB/s640/093A7531.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-j_QvujNdKHw/WStG4RQZHiI/AAAAAAAANBg/Ecmzc6ytl44F-NEBKqo-LganjX0AO8ZvQCLcB/s1600/093A7540.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="937" data-original-width="1600" height="374" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-j_QvujNdKHw/WStG4RQZHiI/AAAAAAAANBg/Ecmzc6ytl44F-NEBKqo-LganjX0AO8ZvQCLcB/s640/093A7540.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Well, it was a fantastic morning with amazing weather and getting to spend time in Nature! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Happy Memorial Day everyone!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Thanks for reading!</span>Alexa Boyeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16747241225405199044noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1856431204466871897.post-76374706581894325372017-05-14T15:14:00.002-07:002017-05-14T15:14:34.176-07:00Happy Mom's Day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It was a busy week and we also lots of rain this past week. So finally I made it over to see my owl friends Saturday evening. It took a few minutes but we finally spotted Cher enjoying the last bit of sunshine.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4Ah9fyAyYhI/WRjSV8eP-jI/AAAAAAAAM_I/TjUdZrKq8HsS8e7N8M6YgKyzqnuMA65KQCLcB/s1600/093A6984.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4Ah9fyAyYhI/WRjSV8eP-jI/AAAAAAAAM_I/TjUdZrKq8HsS8e7N8M6YgKyzqnuMA65KQCLcB/s640/093A6984.jpg" width="504" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BlvY36RDF1w/WRjSVMLDHMI/AAAAAAAAM_A/OLRFIcJIVp4GSfC_Z7mH0Y5_jRUzIMAwgCLcB/s1600/093A6988.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BlvY36RDF1w/WRjSVMLDHMI/AAAAAAAAM_A/OLRFIcJIVp4GSfC_Z7mH0Y5_jRUzIMAwgCLcB/s640/093A6988.jpg" width="462" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Then we started looking for the kids and soon found all three close by. These two were hanging out together and posing for me.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ou1ju9eSK38/WRjSVDJ3WuI/AAAAAAAAM-8/5wv6XRlCQLcuHkk9CjlxWSsvXYOtsDAQgCLcB/s1600/093A7016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="558" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ou1ju9eSK38/WRjSVDJ3WuI/AAAAAAAAM-8/5wv6XRlCQLcuHkk9CjlxWSsvXYOtsDAQgCLcB/s640/093A7016.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As I was losing the light, I grabbed a few more pics of Cher. Just as it got dark, she flew off and landed in a nearby tree. Sonny was also nearby hooting away but Cher never answered him. We were hoping to see the kids get dinner but no luck......so finally headed home after wishing Cher a happy mom's day.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-z_bBs0YDSog/WRjSXZKfSHI/AAAAAAAAM_c/Cwlx-jea_5cqUNQ_l6UFcjopWJdjoIkpgCLcB/s1600/093A7041.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-z_bBs0YDSog/WRjSXZKfSHI/AAAAAAAAM_c/Cwlx-jea_5cqUNQ_l6UFcjopWJdjoIkpgCLcB/s640/093A7041.jpg" width="468" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This morning I promised Hazel a fun hike as all the rain the past week put a damper on our daily hikes. So we headed to the Boulder Valley Ranch loop. We hadn't been there in months and of course I brought my camera just in case. There were lots of western kingbirds, bullock's orioles and yellow breasted chats. But only this kingbird posed for me. Everyone else was very busy.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-g306b4agpak/WRjSV6rwrBI/AAAAAAAAM_E/Vsm7QlWcePMnRvuYqyHYlpldgbChhv0xQCLcB/s1600/093A7075.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-g306b4agpak/WRjSV6rwrBI/AAAAAAAAM_E/Vsm7QlWcePMnRvuYqyHYlpldgbChhv0xQCLcB/s640/093A7075.jpg" width="626" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As we were headed down to the pond, I spotted this red tail perched on a fence post. I didn't want Hazel to spook him, so I put her in down/stay and slowly approached the hawk. I quickly realizedhe/she had just caught some breakfast. So I got some nice pics before the hawk left to enjoy breakfast in peace.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-djwe7zngad0/WRjSWZYvXJI/AAAAAAAAM_M/AnNnwZCss0saehJ1iBnXBQ0d7veNbN5_ACLcB/s1600/093A7088.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-djwe7zngad0/WRjSWZYvXJI/AAAAAAAAM_M/AnNnwZCss0saehJ1iBnXBQ0d7veNbN5_ACLcB/s640/093A7088.jpg" width="568" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mS5cpcbNwNc/WRjSWrS76nI/AAAAAAAAM_Q/90-bBP9eMzMCeQ1le0xPREiB-eWUWKNEACLcB/s1600/093A7098.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mS5cpcbNwNc/WRjSWrS76nI/AAAAAAAAM_Q/90-bBP9eMzMCeQ1le0xPREiB-eWUWKNEACLcB/s640/093A7098.jpg" width="488" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3wPYx1yNxNI/WRjSWjVvYMI/AAAAAAAAM_U/qM3tb63Dj38DtR_BabB-jKXpKYiK_5nBwCLcB/s1600/093A7102.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="472" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3wPYx1yNxNI/WRjSWjVvYMI/AAAAAAAAM_U/qM3tb63Dj38DtR_BabB-jKXpKYiK_5nBwCLcB/s640/093A7102.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bmqUKtqKesY/WRjSXMMTQGI/AAAAAAAAM_Y/F0vWyeqvpNYW5dl7YRnjwtVdz7_S8xmsgCLcB/s1600/093A7105.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bmqUKtqKesY/WRjSXMMTQGI/AAAAAAAAM_Y/F0vWyeqvpNYW5dl7YRnjwtVdz7_S8xmsgCLcB/s640/093A7105.jpg" width="494" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A pretty fun weekend for sure! Happy Mom's day to everyone and thanks for reading!</span><br />
<br />Alexa Boyeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16747241225405199044noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1856431204466871897.post-46229529857323783072017-05-07T17:24:00.002-07:002017-05-07T17:24:53.048-07:00Barr Lake Sunday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I had not been to Barr lake all winter so it was definitely time to go. The winter time is excellent for seeing bald eagles which is fun. The springtime is a great time to see burrowing owls, western grebes doing their courting dance, swainson's hawks and </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">all the song birds that </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">come back for the summer.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So I was up bright and early and headed down to see who wanted their pics taken.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I looked for the burrowing owls on Piccadilly Rd but no luck. So I headed over to </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Trussville and 114th to see if any burrowing owls were around...nope!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So I doubled back to see if the swainson's were nesting in their usual spot...yup!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I love seeing these hawks! They are very interesting in that they only eat rodents, etc </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">during breeding season and while they raise their young. Then they go back to eating insects which is why they need to migrate south each year......</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Bv7HZnENSng/WQ-qiQ4bZuI/AAAAAAAAM9k/Bo7rf8LtgncaNmfrNuUD2ZJEOsiXk_EkgCLcB/s1600/093A6730.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Bv7HZnENSng/WQ-qiQ4bZuI/AAAAAAAAM9k/Bo7rf8LtgncaNmfrNuUD2ZJEOsiXk_EkgCLcB/s640/093A6730.jpg" width="496" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-x43h5hS7n2g/WQ-qhpVMS7I/AAAAAAAAM9g/YcNeq7mQroAnk8lSaEHhASy7F0cz8ntFQCLcB/s1600/093A6731.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="468" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-x43h5hS7n2g/WQ-qhpVMS7I/AAAAAAAAM9g/YcNeq7mQroAnk8lSaEHhASy7F0cz8ntFQCLcB/s640/093A6731.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After enjoying the hawks, I headed into Barr lake. The first thing I saw was this cute family of canada geese.....</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fduVMtHAhVc/WQ-qia4_W1I/AAAAAAAAM9s/cWHZPulEZFsmWLcdsYa-rg65fzR_JEmUgCLcB/s1600/093A6761.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="276" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fduVMtHAhVc/WQ-qia4_W1I/AAAAAAAAM9s/cWHZPulEZFsmWLcdsYa-rg65fzR_JEmUgCLcB/s640/093A6761.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The western kingbirds were quite abundant but most of them were high up in the trees. Luckily this one posed for me.....</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tULlD9bka7M/WQ-qia_eVeI/AAAAAAAAM9o/iQmuDW_X3yQZBO0ptCF_mx-hO0Az-LHowCLcB/s1600/093A6766.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="476" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tULlD9bka7M/WQ-qia_eVeI/AAAAAAAAM9o/iQmuDW_X3yQZBO0ptCF_mx-hO0Az-LHowCLcB/s640/093A6766.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Yellow headed blackbirds are so cool! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mH6HUTMK97k/WQ-qiploRmI/AAAAAAAAM9w/I7cYkGCwPRocj5MIMM7f-BiP4C8jqKNuQCLcB/s1600/093A6795.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mH6HUTMK97k/WQ-qiploRmI/AAAAAAAAM9w/I7cYkGCwPRocj5MIMM7f-BiP4C8jqKNuQCLcB/s640/093A6795.jpg" width="526" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The main reason for coming to Barr lake today was to see the western grebes doing their courting dance. I got great pics last year and was hoping to get more today. So I headed down the trail to get to the gazebo. There's where they tend to hang out. It's about a 1.5 mile away so I hoped it was worth the hike.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Not much was going on until I got to the gazebo. This osprey flew by.......</span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NmeGV0Z0R80/WQ-qi4sbaPI/AAAAAAAAM98/cU8HTKdtaqEfvHAkSa99hRdHDFBnsUq4ACLcB/s1600/093A6819.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="580" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NmeGV0Z0R80/WQ-qi4sbaPI/AAAAAAAAM98/cU8HTKdtaqEfvHAkSa99hRdHDFBnsUq4ACLcB/s640/093A6819.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Zu6JDbeMohc/WQ-qi-eOoPI/AAAAAAAAM94/cQlEnVm7YfcQwxcoSOABtPaG5rad-3dxwCLcB/s1600/093A6820.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Zu6JDbeMohc/WQ-qi-eOoPI/AAAAAAAAM94/cQlEnVm7YfcQwxcoSOABtPaG5rad-3dxwCLcB/s640/093A6820.jpg" width="622" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And then this immature bald eagle flew by.....</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aIJdpYdw870/WQ-qjILm3JI/AAAAAAAAM-A/aj3BcYfSDigacWneWBWUovjHdLuyJ7W1gCLcB/s1600/093A6850.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="284" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aIJdpYdw870/WQ-qjILm3JI/AAAAAAAAM-A/aj3BcYfSDigacWneWBWUovjHdLuyJ7W1gCLcB/s640/093A6850.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Grebes???? There were only about 3-4 grebes and they were just hanging out. Crap! There are usually many more of them, so maybe they are arriving a bit later this year.....</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dLT5ZWyeelA/WQ-qjpVNibI/AAAAAAAAM-I/i4JcrvNw9KcQEYr7ZoXyXqiNM9zwO8tNgCLcB/s1600/093A6887.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="310" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dLT5ZWyeelA/WQ-qjpVNibI/AAAAAAAAM-I/i4JcrvNw9KcQEYr7ZoXyXqiNM9zwO8tNgCLcB/s640/093A6887.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This red winged blackbird posed nicely for me.....</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0KSM2ei1Wy0/WQ-qji_QKXI/AAAAAAAAM-M/vN_-EEnXtfMhJaWbIjGe6Y4RdZTBKtEWwCLcB/s1600/093A6891.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="430" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0KSM2ei1Wy0/WQ-qji_QKXI/AAAAAAAAM-M/vN_-EEnXtfMhJaWbIjGe6Y4RdZTBKtEWwCLcB/s640/093A6891.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And this young pelican flew by. You can tell it's young because it does not have the "breeding bump" on it's beak and still has some gray coloring on the top of the head.....</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IL6gyHy2N78/WQ-qjfkI71I/AAAAAAAAM-E/q14qwbhLzlUhlnQ7CRtyOsa00Q7J1CImQCLcB/s1600/093A6893.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="496" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IL6gyHy2N78/WQ-qjfkI71I/AAAAAAAAM-E/q14qwbhLzlUhlnQ7CRtyOsa00Q7J1CImQCLcB/s640/093A6893.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GoazPf1bP1Y/WQ-qjufefmI/AAAAAAAAM-Q/DcV68byuYtQ0vWk14s8QhJ1jrtH6LKXuwCLcB/s1600/093A6895.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="376" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GoazPf1bP1Y/WQ-qjufefmI/AAAAAAAAM-Q/DcV68byuYtQ0vWk14s8QhJ1jrtH6LKXuwCLcB/s640/093A6895.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The rock wrens were all over the place but quite the challenge to get a pic of....</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TRxPEoSJa2E/WQ-qkDlkAnI/AAAAAAAAM-Y/MjNXbcNXqC4p5TaPD7Ow3Ht_6uhu5xo-ACLcB/s1600/093A6902.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="450" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TRxPEoSJa2E/WQ-qkDlkAnI/AAAAAAAAM-Y/MjNXbcNXqC4p5TaPD7Ow3Ht_6uhu5xo-ACLcB/s640/093A6902.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here's a red wing claiming his territory.....</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0H_lYUrPeEE/WQ-qjxjn2pI/AAAAAAAAM-U/ngH24I_XON0TspaXLgsZNhKvgyzq_8UwQCLcB/s1600/093A6912.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0H_lYUrPeEE/WQ-qjxjn2pI/AAAAAAAAM-U/ngH24I_XON0TspaXLgsZNhKvgyzq_8UwQCLcB/s640/093A6912.jpg" width="540" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Had to get a pic of this cute guy.....</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rHS_IJ-D4v0/WQ-qltyQHyI/AAAAAAAAM-g/xfbtImzqe-YIAHz5eIcl3JgknGchA7w-ACLcB/s1600/093A6919.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rHS_IJ-D4v0/WQ-qltyQHyI/AAAAAAAAM-g/xfbtImzqe-YIAHz5eIcl3JgknGchA7w-ACLcB/s640/093A6919.jpg" width="578" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I like when it's partly cloudy as that's great light for photographing but today was weird. It kept getting more hazy. Not normal for around here.....</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nkMD_EaSsCE/WQ-qlXhaERI/AAAAAAAAM-c/OK2tUs4MwNsoMk3H3QZqMxw1wuRK72d0wCLcB/s1600/093A6928.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nkMD_EaSsCE/WQ-qlXhaERI/AAAAAAAAM-c/OK2tUs4MwNsoMk3H3QZqMxw1wuRK72d0wCLcB/s640/093A6928.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I went to check on the barn owl but no one was home. So I figured it was time to head out. I went looking for the burrowing owls again but they were still a no show. My swainson friend was on her nest which was fun to see.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EXCOHb6K600/WQ-qlubB0rI/AAAAAAAAM-k/vlryaDC0SqQ6yPH9WI46FhvkYkW51FvdwCLcB/s1600/093A6955.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="442" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EXCOHb6K600/WQ-qlubB0rI/AAAAAAAAM-k/vlryaDC0SqQ6yPH9WI46FhvkYkW51FvdwCLcB/s640/093A6955.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Oh well, I was hoping to see the grebes and burrowing owls, so I guess I'll just have to come back soon.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Thanks for reading......</span>Alexa Boyeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16747241225405199044noreply@blogger.com0