Ute Valley Park 8/25/12

An urban park on the west side of town, somewhat reminiscent of Palmer Park, which lies further east. Plenty of room to explore here, some rocks to climb on, etc., without ever being very far from "civilization".

Sunrise 8/21/12 (First day all students)

Birding 202 @ Manitou Lake/Trout Creek

I had five new birds since starting my life list  9 months ago:  Red Crossbill (above), Hammond's Flycatcher, Clark's Nutcracker, Williamson's Sapsucker, and Plumbeous Vireo.  I kind of recognized the Vireo's call - it sounds like it's saying Hey there, How are you? a little bit.  I was first to spot the Sapsucker and it was handsome.  The Clark's was very gorgeous and distinctive in flight.  There were many Crossbills, which weren't really red this time of year, but the rest on my list above we only saw one of.


This isn't my image, but shows what the Clark's looks like:

And same for the Sapsucker:

Mt. St. Francis

Moon actually from my neighborhood a few weeks ago, rest from Mt. St. Francis.