Birds and Nature

It has been over a decade since Trumpeter Swans visited my county in So Colorado so it was most enjoyable to see this pair at Brush Hollow Reservoir. (to see the rest of the write up and 4 more photos click on Read More below to open the full blog post) And it was sweet to get to watch and photograph when one of them stretched it's 8 foot+ wingspan , how magnificent. The pic above shows some of the field marks for Trumpeter versus other species of swans as noted in the Trumpeter Swan Society web page:   "The bill is heavy in proportion to head with a straight profile. Angular head shape somewhat resembling canvasback duck. Eye not distinct from bill." bill." And the pic below shows the red border on the lower mandible and without the yellow spot in front of the eyes as found on Tundra Swans (which can sometimes have a red border on the lower mandible per the Trumpeter Swan Society website ). Note that I deferred blogging about these swans until they

Pronghorn were historically found from Mexico to Canada with a wider range than now (see map of current and historic below--click on Read More). They are the second fastest mammal, only the Cheeta able to run faster.   According to National Geographic , " They can run at more than 53 miles an hour." They prefer open spaces so are frequently found on grasslands like where this one was located as well as brushlands and deserts.   SeEtta

I have followed Lewis's Woodpeckers in Canon City for many years as they seemingly come and go from various locations around the area. Last year I couldn't any around town so I have pleased to find a few near one of the many orchards in this area.  They are a species of conservation concern due to habitat loss including competition for nest holes from Starlings.  I love to watch them as their salmon colored underparts are brilliant when the sun hits them.  SeEtta