Wings and Things

Portal RV Resort
August 9, 2015
Moab, UT

After two days of traveling in Belle and two days on the trails, we opted for a lazy Sunday. Being in Moab at Portal is one of my favorite places to call home. As I perched in my outdoor recliner with the pups our yard was full of life as quick moving and energetic wings fluttered, hovered, and swooped in all directions. 

 It is so peaceful and quiet...catching myself dozing off and waking up to enjoy the sun's light illuminating the roses and sunflowers...

 ...or to catch a deer or two or three munching on the tall grass in the meadow.

The grass has grown and so have those antlers since June!

I did wander across the street to the koi pond for a few more photos...

Hope you are having a great week. Things are pretty quiet around here...and that is not a complaint.

Until next time...did you know that only male frogs call and females can only make short chirpy sounds or peeps? The male's calls advertise their species, general fitness, size, and territory. Notice the round circle behind his eye. That is the frog's eardrum which acts as a shield and cover for their inner ear. It works both under and above water to detect sounds. Vibrations are shuttled all through their body and lungs to an inner ear in their chest...

...now that's pretty cool! So, whether you call or peep, make some noise and let the good-times-roll!

Insects and Hummingbirds

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.

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!

 

There is something a little strange in this picture...

 A sneak preview until next time...

 

happy trails!