Sunday, June 27, 2010
06_05_2010 A morning at Pawnee National Grasslands
In stark contrast to central and western Colorado, the Pawnee National Grasslands in the northeast part of the state offer thousands of acres of rolling grasslands and few people, but lots of birds and critters! We spent a morning here in early June and saw some fun stuff; Burrowing Owl, Swainson's Hawk, Great Horned Owl, Lark Bunting, Antelope, Meadowlark, Horned Lark, Western Kingbird and Loggerhead Shrike. Enjoy!
Friday, June 25, 2010
Monday, June 21, 2010
05_2010 Spring Time in Boulder
Spring time finally arrived in Boulder a month or so ago. We have been spending some time outdoors enjoying it. Though it's been a really wet spring, there haven't been many flowers.
Nonetheless, Dave found some and got some nice photos of them with some Iconic Boulder backdrops. Nice stuff!
I admit however, that I like the birds the best! Check out some of these gorgeous birds he was able to photograph. The first one shown is the Yellow-Breasted Chat. These are some seriously silly birds who "hide in bushes making weird noises."
The description is perfect! Boulder wouldn't be the same without a healthy dose of Spotted Towhees singing from treetops.
Also shown is the Lark Sparrow. This cute guy was found near Eldorado Springs (South Mesa Trail head).
Also in abundance are the Bullock's Orioles. These birds are very fun to watch. They are fussy!
House Wrens seem to be in abundance this year. In fact, we have some nesting in the nest box on our front porch. They may be a bit plain to look at, but their song makes up for that. I find them adorable.
Blue-Gray Gnatcatchers are around in big numbers too. Dave got a nice photo of this male (note the black eyebrow).
We've seen several Western Tanagers as well. Check out this one with the bug in his mouth! (Or bug leg may be all that remains). These birds are always a treat. They are so beautiful.
Lots of others too - Lazuli buntings, Cedar Waxwings, Hummingbirds galore! Enough of my yapping. Enjoy the pretty Spring time in Boulder!
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
06_09_2010 Spring Beauty
Here are two images that Dave captured with the point & shoot at work the other day. Check out this adorable family of Canada Geese! Just wanted to share in the hopes it brings a smile to your face too. :)
06_09_2010 Bathroom remodel done! (almost)
Finally (with one pesky exception), the bathroom remodel is complete! Thought I'd show some before and after photos as this remodel is really spectacular.
Before showing the 'after photos' I've posted the 'before' photos. It's funny to look at the before photos - it's hard to remember when it ever looked like that. Now I recall that awful wasteful never-stops-running toilet. Don't miss him! So much about the old bathroom not to miss. The new one is better than we imagined: 
Not only is there far more light in the bathroom (thanks to the awesome skylight), there is a lot more storage (hurray for new cabinets), more peaceful colors (ugly brown door is gone), and the floor is heated (amazing). 
We really love it. 
EnjoyMonday, June 7, 2010
06_06_2010 No more bird feeding. :(
One of the things I really enjoy is putting up bird feeders and getting to know our neighborhood birds. This time of year is especially nice as parents are bringing their recently fledged youngsters to the feeders.
I guess that is going to have to stop. :( At 3 am I woke up to some noise on the upstairs back deck. In the darkness I thought I saw a VERY LARGE raccoon so I flipped on the light. 
It was no raccoon. It was a black bear. On the back porch. Snorting and looking for food while peeing. Gross. After I yelled and woke up Dave with a "HOLY CRAP THERE IS A BEAR ON THE BACK PORCH!!!" it occurred to me that I didn't know what to do. Do we call someone? We opted not to make it mad (given the tight quarters of the porch), and instead took a few photos. The ones where he was on the deck didn't turn out (we weren't about to open the sliding glass door - do you see it's claws?). We waited until he was heading downstairs to shoot a few quick shots.He didn't actually eat any seeds or even destroy any feeders. Still, I've learned that they can and will. For now, we'll be sure to bring them in the house at night. That's a drag. Oh well, I like bears, just not on the back porch! At least he didn't decide to come into the house to help himself to the kitchen. It happens.
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