Barn Swallow Bath

A very unbirdy day.
Between Lee Martinez Park, Grandview Cemetery and Running Deer - hardly a bird! They must be smarter than me and seeking shelter from this ridiculous heat. I did enjoy observing a little bit of nature at Lee Martinez; first, a skunk nervously found himself heading right for me (no photos as I made a hasty retreat...) Then a mule deer and some mallard ducklings....finally a chance to observe some really cool Barn Swallow activity...

Some nice vegetation just off the Poudre...

There was graffiti on this bridge that said "My Bridge." 

Surely they were referring to the Swallow?

So on the way back I saw something new and wonderful. 

First it looked like a hundred butterflies in the road...

soon turned out to be Barn Swallows bathing! 

My photos completely do not do this sight justice.

I so wanted to get closer (read get a better view) 

but there were people everywhere and

the swallows kept getting spooked... 

Eventually I quietly sat across the road hoping 

they would return. They didn't (as far as I know)

but one or two brave souls touched down:

Note to self: no more 90 degree midday 

visits to Running Deer!

Perfect Day for Young Gulch

That little hint of rain this morning - I knew it'd be a great day for a hike at Young Gulch. Most days at Young Gulch, the stream (which you cross at least 30 times if you hike the whole trail) is pretty wet. Today, it went past my knees several times. Wet, fun and a little exhausting!

Highlights included bunches of Western Tanangers, MacGillivray's Warblers and a Black-headed Grosbeak:

Last summer the MacGillivray's weren't nearly this cooperative!

On the move...

I think I was watching two male Tanangers duke it out for a

couple of minutes...pretty cool.

Mystery empid (they're all mysteries to me - I do believe I saw 

a bunch of pewees today)

Black-headed Grosbeak

Some more critters....of course I'm always hoping for a bear:

The only snake of the day! 

(unusual for Young Gulch)

First Dragonfly of the season

More photos from today's visit:

My First American Bittern

Well actually my second....

Here's my first; I stopped in shock - from the distance I was sure it was a bittern. Even bothered to pull out the scope!

Figured I'd come back and check on him after 

another loop along the road.... but then I forgot all about that bittern:

and found this one. Too close to the car!

A little further away with some grass and fence in the way...

Looking intently at something...

American Bittern with fish.

Looking at me funny.

Looking at me seriously.

Taking off; some goofball (yeah I mean me) 

thought they'd try to open the car door.

And here, behind fence, a little bittern walking:

A few more photos from today's visit to Lower Latham:

Sunday Afternoon at Running Deer

It felt like Spring today! The usual suspects, plus a few firsts at Running Deer:

Brief Glimpse of a Western Tanager

Bunches of Yellow-rumped Warblers and 

almost as many Yellow Warblers

My first Lark Sparrow, cooperative and flashy!

First the Dad(s)....

and then Mom Wood Duck! really the most wonderful thing 

ever...at least for now....

ending with Black-crowned Night Herons 

flying overhead and landing in trees.

Weld Highlights

I'm finding Lower Latham to be the treasure-trove everyone's told me it would be. I wish it were closer to home; I feel like every moment spent there is worthwhile! Some highlights from the last couple of weeks (along with a few from Fort Collins...)

Oodles of Yellow-Headed Blackbirds

Some looks at a new favorite, Wilson's Phalarope:

Avocet (this one in Fort Collins)

White-Faced Ibis

Marsh Wren Acrobatics...

Mountain Plover

Western Kingbird

and my first House Wren this Spring