Birds, Mountains, and Nature's Delights

Embarking on an adventurous Saturday morning, I made a spontaneous decision to visit City Park, curious to catch a glimpse of the endearing Common Merganser family. My intention was simple: to ensure their well-being, to affirm their safety in this bustling world.

 

As I arrived, relief washed over me. The serene scene unfolded before my eyes—mother-duck gracefully gliding through the water, ever watchful for lurking danger, while the ducklings basked on a sun-kissed rock, relishing the warmth of the morning rays.

However, it wasn't long before their playful spirits took hold. With a swift slide into the water, they embarked on a quest—for breakfast, or perhaps a touch of mischief. What amazed me was their skillful diving, despite their diminutive size. Like acrobats of the aquatic realm, they plunged beneath the surface, vanishing and reemerging in an aquatic ballet that left me in awe.

Having sated their hunger, a sense of tranquility settled upon them. They glided back and forth, their dives imbued with a touch less fervor. Even though Common Mergansers are known for their piscine prowess, the blades of grass enticed the ducklings, as they made playful attempts to tear a piece, their curious nature shining through.

Ever vigilant, the mother kept a watchful eye, her protective instincts guiding her every move. Witnessing their resilience and flourishing existence warmed my heart.

As I strolled back to my car, a surprising sight greeted me—a swallow perched serenely upon a fence. While these birds are usually in constant motion, their swift flight a marvel to behold, this stillness was a rare encounter I couldn't pass up. I drew closer, eagerly observing this usually elusive creature, most commonly witnessed as a fleeting streak across the sky.

Along the edge of the lake, a congregation of female Red-Winged Blackbirds graced the tall grass. Their muted hues paled in comparison to their male counterparts, yet their charm and comedic antics were undeniably endearing.

Eager to explore further, I bid farewell to the park and set my sights on the mountains. My destination: Central City, where I planned to embark on a picturesque hike, hoping to stumble upon something intriguing.

The harmonious combination of aspen trees and majestic mountains unfolded before me. To my astonishment, the landscape was adorned with a vibrant tapestry of blossoming flowers. The unexpected abundance of these floral wonders brought a surge of joy to my heart.

Nature's allure beckoned butterflies, who, unafraid, allowed me to draw near.

 

As I meandered along the undulating paths, I relished the cool mountain air and the breathtaking vistas. The fragrant perfume of pine trees mingled with the delicate scent of the blooming flowers, a sensory treat that enveloped me.

The terrain, dominated by a lush growth of aspen trees, offered a sight that delighted my eyes - the interplay of soft sunlight and verdant foliage, casting an enchanting dance of light and shadow.

In a serendipitous moment, I chanced upon a hummingbird perched delicately on a fence, taking respite from its usual rapid flights. Rarely do these tiny, vibrant creatures reveal their tranquil side, their motionless repose a captivating contrast to the lightning-fast movements that define them. It was a sight to treasure.

Flowers and mountains became my delightful companions throughout the hike, as if they had conspired to create the perfect day.

 

Mountains and flowers - truly, what more could one desire in these lofty heights? Yet, my wanderings led me to a puzzling discovery - a series of claw marks etched upon the trunks of aspen trees. The thought of bears roaming these lands flickered in my mind, but I reasoned that the clamor of human presence might keep them at bay. With this assurance, I delved deeper into the forest, my gaze attuned to every detail.

And there, amidst the currents bushes, I chanced upon more hummingbirds, their delicate forms darting and feeding. Could there be a more adorable sight? Their captivating presence accompanied me along the winding trails, a reminder of the beauty that graced my journey.

More flowers, more mountains, more birds...

 

As I concluded my journey, thoroughly contented, I couldn't help but ponder the possibility of repeating this delightful adventure in the upcoming weekend. The allure of nature's wonders beckoned, tempting me with its siren song.

As you might guess, ChatGPT helped me with the story again ;)

Pictures were taken on June 24, 2023.