Garden of the Gods RV Resort/Outdoor Destinations
Colorado Springs, CO
July 20, 2014
Starsmore Discovery Center serves as an introduction to North Cheyenne Canon (pronounced Canyon...the first "n" in Canon has a squiggley line over it) Park...a 1,600 acre city park. This beautiful stone building built in 1922 was originally the home of the Starsmore family. As a cherished local landmark, it was purchased by the city of Co Springs and moved to its present location in 1992. The gardens that surround the center are beautiful...butterflies and hummingbirds were fluttering and zooming all around. In 1995, an effort was begun to add perennials favored by hummingbirds. Upkeep and care of the garden is carried out by the Friends of Cheyenne Canon(FOCC) who volunteer their time.
A few insects...
...and hummingbirds.
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| Broad-tailed Hummingbird |
The pretty red flower that shows up in a lot of the garden pictures at the center is bee balm. It is a member of the mint family and comes in pink, red and white. Its a big draw for hummingbirds and butterflies.
I had a hard time leaving the Discovery Center and the beautiful flowers, butterflies and hummingbirds. But the center is also the trailhead for the Lower Columbine Trail...our real destination for the day!
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| There is something a little strange in this picture... |
A sneak preview until next time...
happy trails!
What is that beautiful thing in the first two pictures? They are all so beautiful.
ReplyDeleteI have no idea Sandie...but it is a beauty!
DeleteA type of hummingbird moth called the white lined sphinx moth
DeleteBeautiful shots! Saw your little spider, at least I think it was a spider. The Hummingbird moth is gorgeous! I haven't seen one in awhile.
ReplyDeleteThank you for identifying the hummingbird moth Sheila. He was fun to watch and try to photograph. The spider in the picture was a surprise....I was actually photographing the water droplets. Don't you just love it when that happens?
DeleteSome more wonderful close ups, love them.
ReplyDeleteNow the trails and away you go, have too much fun.
We are George....we sure picked a great time to see Colorful Colorado!
DeleteBeautiful shots! I could easily spend an entire day in a lovely garden. Even makes me think about getting a "good" camera!
ReplyDeleteMe too Lisa! There is always something going on in a garden. I could just sit in one place and take quite a few pictures. I did upgrade my camera last year, but the everyday lens I use is old. Thank goodness for cropping!
DeleteYou have beautiful pictures too!
Love the little insects and I especially love the shots of the hummingbirds.
ReplyDeleteIt was fun trying to photograph them...those little hummers sure can zoom around! Thanks Jeri!
DeleteGay, Fabulous shots of the insects! I can probably sit there all day too!
ReplyDeleteThank you MonaLiza.....I thoroughly enjoyed the peace and quiet too!
DeleteThat's a humming bird moth...https://www.google.com/webhp?sourceid=chrome-instant&ion=1&espv=2&ie=UTF-8#q=hummingbird+moth
ReplyDeleteBeautiful pictures as always. and that hand draped over the sign is creepy
Thanks Linda. The hummingbird moth is new to me. It sure is pretty!
DeleteThank you for sharing. I do miss the hummingbird/butterfly garden we had planted in our yard in honor of our Golden girl Maggie. Ergo the name, Maggie's Garden. We do travel with a hummingbird feeder though, they are entertaining to watch. I couldn't figure out what was strange in the second to last photo, will you tell us in your next blog?
ReplyDelete