Making The Time

Finally!  I caught the beauty and detail of the Northern Flicker in flight.  Look at the lovely underside of this bird!

Finding the time to bird with loved ones around can be challenging, BUT I'm here to say that it's possible! I caught onto the birding phenomenon later than some folks.  It's an addiction.  Sometimes I don't even want to do the photography as I want to just count birds.  But I NEVER leave the camera at home.  If I had, I would have been disappointed missing out on these moments.

Northern Harrier

While everyone slept during the morning hours, I got up early and put on my heavy jacket, grabbed my camera, and headed out that door.  One of the things I learned from Kathie was that you don't have to go far to bird.  You can bird at feeders in backyards or you can head out to city parks.  In most cities, there are lots of parks just minutes away from residential areas. Within 10 minutes of walking, I arrived at Cheyenne Meadows Mountain Park.

Bushtit

I felt recharged and relaxed.  Remember most locals take their bird populations for granted.  For an outsider, this was exciting stuff.   I was finally able to capture a Western Bluebird with great detail as well as the Bushtit!  I had spotted this bird in Bosque Del Apache but was disappointed by the photography.  They were too far from my camera.  But in Colorado Springs, I heard them in the bushes and called out to them.  And they all flew out to greet me.....and that's when I was able to accurately ID and get detailed shots of them.

Western Bluebird

While all this was going on, there were kids playing football out in the fields.  While all this was going on, a Northern Harrier came out for some great viewing.

And while in Colorado Springs, keep your eyes open for some amazing wildlife.  It's everywhere!  The city has done a great job preserving and protecting their animals.  I wanted to stop for all the incredible deer opportunities but we kept driving past them.  They are very common apparently.

While we were in Colorado Springs, it snowed and the waters froze.  It wasn't difficult to spot birds but what was tricky was going at "birder pace" with non birders.  By the time I'd get to see a bird, it would fly off and disappear. So this stroll in the park allowed me to really observe known and unknown birds better.  The best part about most birding is that it's free while still super entertaining:)

And while birds are the primary target, animals, plants and other fun things are wonderful additions.

And all while this was going on around me......

......in bush, on ground, in the air........

.....around the snow.......

.....a lifebird......the Townsend's Solitaire(below) flew into my life.  A good day indeed!

So, I'd highly recommend visiting local parks wherever you travel because they are full of wonderful discoveries.  All you have to do is make the time:)