Some roads are not built for sissies
When I told a friend we were going to be birding in the Pawnee National Grasslands in northeastern Colorado, his comment was a distinct, “humph.” That can translate several ways: Why? What’s there? Or, don’t you have something better to do with your time?
Western Meadowlarks for entertainment
It is a stark, desolate and beautiful place. The day Susan and I spent in this windswept corner of the country was gorgeous. We saw one van full of what might have been birders, two women on horseback and a pickup truck pulling a horse trailer. We also watched a majestic Golden Eagle on its throne that looked like a windmill, numerous Swainson’s Hawks hunting, Pronghorns doing their Pronghorn thing, and a colorful array of a couple dozen bird species. It was a busy day for that part of the world.
As usual, the beauty is in the details. From 30,000 feet above, the area does look rather abandoned. Even from five feet above it’s tough to see much. You have to get down and dirty to see the real thing.
Beauty in the details
And, as with most other things in life, if you stop and look and listen, it’s a whole different story.
Rattlesnake playing defense. Photo by Susan Jones
4 comments:
Hmm ... noticed Susan was the one in harm's way for the Rattlesnake photo. :-D You must have been a few steps behind, ehh?
Nice blog and photos. Want to read more about the snake. Su
Just the photos made the trip worthwhile. Last time a rattler buzzed at me I was more intent on leaving his territory. Wow!!
If Susan took the photo, standing safely back with a tele, the rattler was focusing on you. From the girth and coils it might have a strike distance of 3 ft. Trust you're well :)
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