Environment:
Start Time: 7:20 AM Temperature: 53 degrees Sky: Sunshine, no clouds, more than moderate haze, no breeze.
Mornings are getting a lot crisper and cooler these days – though the late afternoons are still Hellish. Looking forward to the change of season. Walking was super pleasant and the Nature Photography turned out well. The big news is contained in today’s featured image. I spotted a Black-crowned Night Heron perched in one of the Cottonwoods along the river bank on the East end of the park. When I first saw it (from behind) I thought it was a Green Heron and snuck up as quietly as you can on a gravel path. When I swung around to the front view I was shocked. I have only ever seen two of these Night Herons (counting today) and have never seen one at Lake Pueblo State Park. It wasn’t easy but I think the shot I got is pretty OK. Of course, there were other birds and critters out and about. I got a long shot of some Mule Deer grazing, a Double Crested Cormorant cruising on the Arkansas River and a Rock Squirrel checking out the flood control rocks on the river bank. Not a bad day at all.
Sightings:
Birds: Mallards, Osprey, Double Crested Cormorants, Canada Geese, Starlings, Common Grackle, Red-winged Blackbirds, Great Blue Heron, Yellow Warbler, Black-crowned Night Heron, Great Horned Owls, Swallows, Northern Flicker, Sharp-shinned Hawk
Critters: Prairie Dogs, Mule Deer, Rock Squirrel
Gear: Nikon D5600, 55-300mm
