Monday: A Great Weekend Outdoors

After what seemed like eons of cold and cloudy days, spring sprang in the Fort Collins area on Saturday. I was lucky enough to be invited on an Audubon bird watching walk at Fort Collins's Running Deer Natural Area, a hikers-only spot near the Environmental Learning Center. The walk was led by Nancy from the Colorado Division of Wildlife, and we had perfect weather--sunny and not too hot or cold. One pond was particularly productive, and there we saw many White Pelicans, Double-crested Cormorants, and Great Blue Herons. Had a spotting scope on both a Great Horned Owl and a Black-crowned Night-Heron in two separate trees at this water body. In another pond, three pair of Canada Geese swam, their broods of goslings in tow. Perhaps then, it is not surprising that we also saw a mink furtively scampering along the water's edge.

Other cool things seen on the walk: three bull snakes sunning on rocks and logs; my first "Krider's" form Red-tailed Hawk (we think); and a very noisy area of singing chorus frogs. All in all, a great morning. Saturday afternoon we did yard work, taking breaks to look at the nearby Red-tailed Hawk nest through the spotting scope on our deck. Saw one chick's head, all fuzzy orange, so I know at least one egg was successful. Mom and Dad have not been sitting on the nest anymore, but rather are perched on top of it, often feeding stringy looking pieces of meat to the young ones.

By 7 AM on Sunday morning, it was already quite hot in the backyard. Since my husband and I had planned a nice long bike ride, we set out early, due to the heat. Did the daunting ride up Bingham Hill, which gave me the chance to stop at the historic Bingham Hill Cemetery. If you're in the Laporte area, it's a wonderful place to while away a half hour. (The cemetery is no longer used  for burials but is open to the public.) Many of the area's first settlers were buried on this serene hillside, and it's the perfect place for quiet reflection. Make it a relaxing stop next time you take a bike ride along the Pleasant Valley Trail. From the bike trail lot at Lions Open Space (also spelled "Lyons"), simply take Overland Trail road to Bingham Hill Road (look for sign with the arrow pointing to Lory State Park). You'll see a mailbox and cemetery sign on the right a short distance up the hill. Chain your bike outside the gate and wander in. In a week or so, gorgeous heirloom iris patches will be blooming in the cemetery. I'll take a photo when they're at their peak.



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