Finally Summer!

Finally, yesterday was the first day when it really seemed like summer. It was in the mid-70's, green, nice sky - it's about time.

Went up to South Boulder Creek below Gross Dam to bird, hoping for maybe a Western Tanager. Wasn't very birdy, but I did come across this nice crop of blooming Barrel Cactus. Their blossoms are so beautiful, and the bees were having a feast. Nice to see a regular Honey Bee. Haven't seen many this spring. Kind of worrisome.

Gave up on the birds there, and headed over to East White Ranch Open Space. Man, that place is always full of birds this time of year. It's really a rich bird, riparian environment. Walking between the parking lot and the gate to the park property, a Lazuli Bunting flew by. Oh, boy, one of my favs. Maybe there will be more down by the creek. I no sooner opened the squeaky gate, and there's a chorus of bird song. Tons of Yellow Warblers fliting back and forth. Got a good CU. The resident Song Sparrow was at work. He's always there right at the trail head.

I think one thing that makes this location a good spot for bird photography is that there are not only a lot of birds, but they are accustomed to people with all the hikers and mtn. bikers who use the trail. I usually work my off the trail over towards the creek. There's remnants of an old trail that's lined with rocks. There's other evidence, that maybe in the past this was a homestead of some sort. There's a small spreading tree, not sure what kind, that offers good cover to shooting the tangle of brush off to the west where a lot birds hang out. It's almost inpenetrable it's so dense. Lots of wild Plum and it's very aromatic and buzzing with little bees. Lots of Black Headed Grosbeak song in there, and lot of the birds. Several males and females eating seeds in the Elms above.

A flash of blue went by and landed overhead. Lazuli! Nice song, too. Such a beautiful bird. Had been hoping to see them, somewhere other than at the pond in my backyard.

There's always Catbirds in there, too. What an interesting song. Very aptly named bird. No mistaking that mewwing.

I also saw and heard Bullock's Orioles and Chat's, but never got a good shot.

Thought I'd throw in this shot of a male Downy Woodpecker that's taken up in a dying Aspen in the neighboring yard at a friend's house in Arvada. Was helping her out in the yard, when I noticed birds hanging about the Aspen. Saw the pair copulating, then just the male as he made numerous trips between his sounding post and the hole. I don't know if the female was on the nest or what, but never saw her again.

Today, Tuesday, has dawned gray. Not good light for bird photos. Was going to go to Roxborough Park, but guess I'll stay home.