Teller Park, Boulder

Teller Park is located in East Boulder and gives a nice view of the mountain range.  ELark and I went in search of a recent seen Golden-crowned Sparrow.  The day was windy and other than a lone Red-winged Blackbird, not a bird was seen.

With the lack of birds and our desired Golden-crowned, we took a short walk to the lake and back.  The pups enjoyed the sights and sounds.  Even with the occasional squeak of a Prairie Dog, the dogs didn't seem to notice and instead focused on marking territory.  It was a great start to the day!  Next up, Lookout Mountain views.

Boulder Updates

Hey folks, I have surfaced.  I cannot promise how long it will be due to graduate school classes starting in a few weeks but let's get to some updates.  First of all, I moved as you know to Colorado.  For the first month I lived in Boulder, CO while I commuted to Fort Collins to find a rental. I also started the new job and hit the ground running.  It's not my traditional nature center/science education job but it's working with volunteers and animals and teaching as well so it's not half bad.

Let's get down to the good stuff though, I've seen a few birds lately:

These beauties were seen in and around Boulder.  The hiking trails there are plentiful and the birds are pretty cooperative.  Plus, I still can't get over the grebes out here!  They are stunning.  I guess I just love grebes everywhere I go.  I must admit I do miss seeing baby Pied-billed Grebes at Green Cay.  This is the time of year that they normally surface for viewing eyes to see.  In the earlier summer months the babies are kept hidden but the parents usually bring'em out around August to show off.

I hope to keep the updates a little more steady.  Until then, soak in these Flat Irons and wish me luck on this crazy adventure to move out West.

Colorado Living

After 4 days of driving I finally made it to Colorado.  I haven't wasted anytime since I arrived but it's slowly catching up to me this weekend.  On Thursday I bought a car, Friday I attained a CO license and returned the rental van, and Saturday I spent the day with friends in Denver.  Finally on Sunday I had a chance to unwind and go for a hike.

My afternoon Sunday hike was around Skunk Canyon on the south side of Boulder.  There is a great network of trails there and I ended up not going completely into the canyon and opted to hike up Kohler Mesa and then back down for a loop trail.  The birding highlights were Green-tailed Towhee, Spotted Towhee, and displaying Broad-tailed Hummingbirds.  I loved the small winding trails and the vistas.  It was a great way to enjoy my first hike in Colorado.

Work is going well but I do miss Green Cay.  It's not the same kind of job and I certainly don't get to do any birding but next week will have me teaching for the first time and meeting more people so that should provide at least a change of pace.  I know I left my dream job in Florida but I hope that my dream place will be Colorado.