Wednesday, January 23, 2013

Bear Creek Nature Center



Life is incredible.  While visiting places around the world or near home, I always try to keep it close to areas protected for wildlife.  For many people, they'll just see a bird or two because they have kids or a dog on the trails.  It's natural for animals to "disappear" during the very busy human afternoon hours.  For wildlife photographers, the best time is when there is NO ONE around.  Nature should be shared by all.  Understanding this mentality, makes the wildlife/photographer aficionados plan carefully around the general public's schedule. 

White-winged Dove

We planned a family trip to Bear Creek Nature Preserve in Colorado Springs during the holidays with few people on the trails.  I love the walks but I also break off from time to time to explore the "quiet" spaces.  I discovered a fox and it got my heart beating real fast.  We were very close and I kept absolutely quiet, but I felt upset about discovering the spot where it was hiding.  I kept it quiet.  But as I do when looking for birds, I am super stealthy around corners and that's where the fox was hiding.  It felt trapped and that's the last thing I wanted for it to feel.  If it had been a bear or mountain lion, I may have found myself on the ground:)  But the fox slipped off into the shadows looking back at me from time to time.
Mountain Chickadee
Some animals or birds, don't mind the visits or creepy people filming them.  And sometimes you'll find yourself in dark tunnels with bikers:)


Either way, Colorado Springs is a real joy to visit.  It's a city full of life....human or wildlife.  In fact, it's one of the healthiest cities of the US.  People are out everywhere running, biking, hiking, and whatever else one does to stay fit.  It did get cold here though.....

Steller's Jay-unusual coloring for me, but these are the CO variety
The one thing unusual about this town is the early sunset.  Because of the mountains, everything goes dark early in the afternoon.  And it gets cold!  The weather is unpredictable and when we left, there was a huge snow storm! 


Knowing the fox was nearby, I snuck around one last time to spot this gorgeous creature.  But it was the last time we saw each other again.  I had not expected to get such beautiful closeups of this creature....ever!


During the month of February, I'm going to show some other critters I glimpsed in and around Tucson.  I'm finding that birding stronger has also allowed me to spot so much more than just the feathered critters.  It's incredible how camouflage plays a big role with all of these animals.


And during the month of February, I have some truly marvelous finds for you all. Of course, Ms. Kathie Brown and myself have joined together to find all of the birds in Arizona.  Well maybe not:) But just wait until you see what we turned up on our search around the state of Arizona during our BIG JANUARY!


For now, I'll leave you all with this parting shot of the fox.  Stay tuned for more next week.....
 Bear Creek Nature Preserve
  245 Bear Creek Road, Colorado Springs, CO 80906 
Phone:(719) 520-6387

Everytime I hear the words, White-winged Dove, this song always comes to mind.  In fact I hum the tune to Kathie, but I don't think she knows it.  Stevie Nicks is one of my favorites:)

                                         

32 comments:

  1. Sounds like you had a wonderful adventure in the outdoors. Congratulations on seeing the fox. That's very exciting. I rarely see one here. I look forward to seeing what you and Kathie have found in January!

    ReplyDelete
  2. These are among your best photos Chris! I love the ones of the fox.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Beautiful photos, I love the ones of the fox of course!

    ReplyDelete
  4. To i Wam zima pokazała swoje oblicze, nawet bałwana można było zrobić. Spotkanie z lisem pewno było dla Ciebie wspaniałym przeżyciem. Spaceruj dalej po pięknych miejscach, gdzie możesz Ty i tym samym my, zobaczyć ciekawe zwierzęta. Pozdrawiam.
    It's winter and you showed your face, you could even make a snowman. Meeting with the fox was definitely a great experience for you. Walk on the beautiful places where you can, and thus we see interesting animals. Yours.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Very nice tour. I had no idea Red Foxes were native here. I associate them with Britain in Europe and all those Rich Dudes on horseback with beagles.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Chris, great shots from the nature center. I love the Fox photos, the cute chickadee and pretty dove. It is nice to be out there birding before the crowds of people manage to come and spook everything away. Happy Birding!

    ReplyDelete
  7. Hola!!!. Bonitas imágenes!!!.. Qué guapo el Zorrillo.. Un saludo..

    ReplyDelete
  8. wow, that fox is beautiful! nice that you gave him as much respect as possible. :)

    ReplyDelete
  9. Chris, if your big bird year includes a trip to Gilbert or Chandler riparian parks, let me know - I'll meet you and walk along (quietly, with a big camera lens).

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Brenda, that would be awesome. Next time I'm up I'll send you an email:) It would be a blast!

      Delete
  10. My dear Kreesh, i truly envy your life, i wish i have a nature companion too, because i can't just go out somewhere on my own, it's a bit controlling. Of course all your photos are lovely, but i love most that 'hole shot' of someone, that is very meaningful!

    ReplyDelete
  11. You are sly like a fox to sneak up on this one. Awesome shots. I had one walk past here a couple years ago. So beautiful.

    ReplyDelete
  12. I'm torn between loathing and admiration for the cunning fox. An introduced predator downunder, I've witnessed firsthand a lambs ripped to shreds, and chickens decapitated. But I've also witnessed the sun catching the glorious colour of a fox's pelt as it ran, liquid as a stream, into the long grass. Who's to say who is right or wrong? Just enjoy each moment as it comes!!

    ReplyDelete
  13. Wonderful photos Chris and I especially love the ones of the Fox :) Look forward to hearing about your birding in January :)

    ReplyDelete
  14. I love the bushy tails on the fox. My kids live in Cincinnati where they roam through in the early morning. I could never get a picture. Too fast.

    ReplyDelete
  15. Awesome fox observation, I've never seen one in the wild. Everything looks great through your camera lens!

    ReplyDelete
  16. I always loved hiking in areas around Colorado Springs and Bear Creek Nature Preserve was one of them, I feel like I walked back into time viewing your images Chris, thanks so much for sharing these images.

    ReplyDelete
  17. Great post! I too loved the fox photos. Interesting to see the different Steller's Jay (our provincial bird in British Columbia).

    ReplyDelete
  18. Love, love, love your Fox photos! Such a beautiful creature! I definitely hear ya on trying to explore during quiet times! I look forward to hearing about the Big January:)

    ReplyDelete
  19. Well done Chris, on the Foxes, they are beautiful, and there was Stevie Nicks live with the Fleetwood Mac, fantastic.

    ReplyDelete
  20. oh I just love foxes
    ....I had a weasel at my back door today
    ...my they are tiny...and funny how they prance
    front feet then back feet.....

    ReplyDelete
  21. You got some super shots of the fox.

    ReplyDelete
  22. Are you planning a Big Year? Good luck! I love foxes but have only seen them from the car, rarely in person. I grew up listening to Stevie Nicks. She is the best!

    ReplyDelete
  23. Hello Chris,
    Wonderful shots!! Great to see that fox.
    Shot 4 is very good!! A dark place with the bird in the window. The view to the frozen world is so fantastic, well done!!

    Greetings, Marco

    ReplyDelete
  24. Ditto what Red said Chris, but there is no denying they are stunning looking creatures and you got such fab shots, well done! Looking forward to the BIG January expo!!

    ReplyDelete
  25. Great post here Chris, with some lovely images. Not sure whether I prefer yours or Stevie's version of White Winged Dove. Well I am really - sorry Chris, it's got to be Stevie every time!!

    ReplyDelete
  26. Hi Chris, Glad you enjoyed Colorado... We love it there ---and want to go back. SO much more to see!!!!

    Love your photo of the fox... Beautiful creature...

    AND--you even got to see some snow.. How special...

    Hugs,
    Betsy

    ReplyDelete
  27. I love seeing those western views. Great captures of the Fox, Chickadee, Stellers Jay, Dove and adorable snowman :O)

    I look forward to your Jan and Feb surprises.

    Glad to see that you have join the team at 'Birding is Fun'- your in good company, Chris.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I can't wait Pam. It's going to be fun joining everyone:) A new experience indeed:)

      Delete
  28. What an amazing adventure you've had with all these wildlife sightings! Looking forward to the sequel.

    ReplyDelete
  29. Oh, I can't wait to see what you have in store for us! AZ is a great place to find so much if you are willing to look, and you of course just shared some amazing things found in CO! Your encounter with the fox is just TOO wonderful!

    ReplyDelete
  30. Wow wow wow... I love the photo of the White winged dove and did think of the song instantly.
    The little fox walking away is a precious photo, so very real in the moment.

    ReplyDelete

Thanks for stopping by!