• Avian

    Cute and Fuzzy

    May 28, 2025

    On Monday I photographed these two goslings that seem to be orphaned. They are following a group of 10-15 mature Canada Geese but not seem connected to any one or two of them. I’ve even watched as some will move away when the little ones get too close as if they want nothing to do with them, even snapping at them. Makes me wonder if they were being chased by a raccoon if any of them would try to defend the goslings. I titled this post cute and fuzzy but even at this age they are a pooping machine! As my dad would say, “In one end and out the other.”

    Sadly, as of yesterday I only saw one of them and this morning no sign of either of them. The way of Nature is not always my way. I leave shortly to have lunch with my oldest daughter and then meet Duane at 1:45 pm. More rain predicted this afternoon.

    Read More
  • clouds,  horizons,  landscape,  natural areas,  Pineridge Natural Area,  quotes

    A Part of Nature

    May 27, 2025

    We moved from being a part of nature to being apart from nature.

    David Attenborough

    Most of the trails in the Natural Areas are closed due to wet and muddy conditions from this gentle rain we have been enjoying the past three of days. And, not much more to say about the clouds that this image doesn’t say. Green dominates the eyes, especially when it is wet. I enjoy being a part of nature!

    Read More
  • landscape,  mountains,  quotes,  storm clouds

    Waiting for my attention…

    May 5, 2025

    Once we discover that the ‘book of nature’ is an ancient idea—that this really was God’s first way of reaching out to us—then it’s like we’re stepping into this giant prayer book when we step out into the natural world. This makes it impossible for me to be anywhere in creation, now, and not be aware of this God who is crouching down low, just waiting for my attention.

    Barbara Mahany
    Read More
  • landscape,  quotes,  storm clouds

    A perfect day…

    May 1, 2025

    I spent some time on a walk around the Environmental Learning Center yesterday. The sky was putting on quite the display of clouds as predicted rain began moving into the area. I had not been there since January and a lot had changed. The Poudre Trail bicycle path now runs alongside the center then heads east all the way to Greeley. I was also surprised to see how much dead and fallen trees there were inside the center. I loved the solitude! The rain did come, a nice gentle moisture rich rain. Even had some thunder with it. This morning is bright with clear skies and sunshine. Perfect day to ride to coffee.

    By my intimacy with nature I find myself withdrawn from man. My interest in the sun and the moon, in the morning and the evening, compels me to solitude.

    Henry David Thoreau
    Read More
  • flowers,  Plants,  quotes

    It Just Blooms

    April 13, 2025
    Daffodils

    I spent part of late yesterday afternoon at the CSU Flower Trial Gardens. With my camera and tripod I meandered around for awhile. It is still early in the season so they do not have much planted. And, even though it was a beautiful day there were not many people there. But, I left with the hope of what is to come and the desire to spend more time there this summer. It is not that far of a bicycle ride and there will always be little gems to find. And for me there is also a gift that flowers offer with their beauty, peace and silence. And in today’s competitive world more time among Creation’s gifts is needed for the spirit.

    “A flower does not think of competing with the flower next to it. It just blooms.”

    Koshin Ogui
    Read More
  • clouds,  landscape,  natural areas,  quotes,  silence

    You Must Hear It

    February 5, 2025

    Silence is not the absence of something but the presence of everything . . . It is the presence of time, undisturbed. It can be felt within the chest. Silence nurtures our nature, our human nature, and lets us know who we are. Left with a more receptive mind and a more attuned ear, we become better listeners not only to nature but to each other. Silence can be carried like embers from a fire. Silence can be found, and silence can find you. Silence can be lost and also recovered. But silence cannot be imagined, although most people think so. To experience the soul-swelling wonder of silence, you must hear it.

    Gordon Hempton
    Read More
  • landscape,  natural areas,  nature,  quotes,  sunsets

    Time Well Spent!

    January 11, 2025
    A waxing crescent moon at sunset from the Cathy Fromme Nature Area – 1/3/2024

    “…some changes happen deep down inside of you. And the truth is, only you know about them. Maybe that’s the way it’s supposed to be.”

    Judy Blume

    I can find myself in a funk, or drifting into one, every once in a while. When that happens I need something to lift my spirits besides sitting at home reading a book or journaling so I opted for time at Cathy Fromme Prairie Nature Area and let the quiet touch my soul. Nature threw up a few clouds against the sky, offered a warm golden glow on the horizon and hung a thin waxing crescent moon above. Even though I felt the cold it was time well spent. For me, each time I enter into the presence of nature there can be a change within me: mind, body, heart and attitude. Some may notice a change in me while others will have no clue. The important thing is that I do. It’s time well spent! 

    Read More