Colorado Nature Narratives

After seeing a bobcat in our backyard, the next morning I watched the aspen grove outside our window, hoping to see the elusive cat again. Clouds obscured the sun and blustery winds still held winter’s chill. Our rain gauge measured a quarter-inch of rain from overnight showers. Observing the backyard from the comfort of my house was a luxury. At midday, my vigilance was rewarded – but not with a bobcat. Instead, a Great Blue Heron graced our landscape.

Great Blue Heron in backyard pond

Standing knee-deep at the edge of the pond, the regal bird cautiously surveyed its surroundings but never seemed secure enough to strike at one of the fish. At times when the heron was motionless, it seemed to disappear behind the dried flower stalks. After a few minutes, the stately visitor gathered up its wings and flew away.

Fortunately, the heron stayed long enough for my husband Les Goss to capture it on video. To watch a two-minute video of “our” heron surveying the area, then flying away, visit
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PCUzLDAYFHQ.

Heron wading in backyard pond

According to Ken Pals, park naturalist at Fountain Creek Nature Center, there are at least four heron rookeries in El Paso County, Colorado. The closest rookery (collection of nests) to our backyard pond is located six miles away. The nests are in tall cottonwood trees along Fountain Creek, near the intersection of Interstate 25 and South Nevada Avenue. The herons must not be too bothered by the traffic as they have successfully nested near the Interstate for several years. They usually return to the same trees every spring. Perhaps the heron will return to our backyard pond this spring or summer for a more successful “fishing trip.”
Continue Reading »

On the afternoon of April 16, the clouds were darkening. Even though it was only four o’clock, it seemed much later. Anticipating rain, I glanced out the window to see if any raindrops were puncturing the smooth surface of our backyard pond. No, not yet.

Just as I was turning away, a movement caught my eye. Suddenly, a furry leg stretched up out of the pond’s filter tank. Then two triangle-shaped ears appeared – ears with pointed tufts. A bobcat was in our backyard!

Backyard Bobcat

My heart began to race. I watched the wildcat stand up and slowly stretch just like a house cat. When it climbed out of the tank I rushed to get my camera. Luckily, the bobcat was still in view, warily weaving a path through the edge of our small aspen grove. Then it disappeared into the thicket.

Bobcat blends into its surroundings

I’ve occasionally heard of bobcats being sighted in the Pikes Peak foothills. Yet, for the many years that I have been hiking, backpacking and watching wildlife in Colorado, this was the first time I’d ever seen a bobcat. I hope it won’t be the last. Continue Reading »

I have had the privilege of closely observing wildlife in Garden of the Gods Park for almost 20 years. One of my annual spring challenges is to locate the nest of the Prairie Falcons. Usually they nest high on the east face of North Gateway Rock in a weathered hollow in the sandstone. Every year, the birds perform their courtship rituals, lay eggs, and raise their fledglings – while seeming oblivious to the many park visitors who hike on the trail 200 feet below the nest.

The Prairie Falcon is a bird of prey built for speed. It is streamlined with a sleek head, long pointed wings and a tapered tail. These features enable the Falcon to overtake its favorite prey of White-throated Swifts and Rock Pigeons and snatch them out of the air.

Another hunting technique is “stooping.” Flying at great heights, the Falcon targets a bird, then folds its wings and dives at almost 200 miles per hour to strike its prey with such tremendous force that it knocks it out of the air. I witnessed this dramatic event one morning while hiking in the Garden. A White-throated Swift was flying incredibly fast just 3 feet off the ground when all of a sudden, a Prairie Falcon appeared out of nowhere and knocked the Swift to the ground. I cautiously approached the Swift. It was already dead from the impact. Then I waited about 100 feet away to see what the Falcon would do. It again appeared as if out of nowhere, landed next to the dead Swift and immediately began to tear it into bite-sized pieces and consume it.

In Colorado’s Pikes Peak area, the Prairie Falcons can be found year-round in the cliffs and canyons of the foothills. In Garden of the Gods Park, close observers may see Rock Pigeons and Swifts scatter whenever a Prairie Falcon takes to the air.