Happy February nature lovers. Ken Hall, aka “Bird Nut” here. The new year has started out as a fantastic year for bird watchers. Many birds that I typically do not see in winter are showing themselves: Great Blue Herons, Wilson’s Snipe, (yes Snipe really do exist), Yellow Rump Warblers, Black Phoebe’s and many more. Another
If you are looking for a break from the hectic pace of I-70 ski traffic this winter, head to the historic mining town of Cripple Creek! Situated 9,494 feet in the mountains, with a population of just over 1,100 people, Cripple Creek is an excellent place to step back to a slower tempo to take
Lair o’ the Bear Park is a beautiful mountain retreat for those looking for a serene day out amidst the beauty of the Rockies. The park is 30 minutes from Wheat Ridge, 4 miles west of Morrison, near Idledale. The park comprises 394 acres with 8.2 miles of easy-to-moderate hiking, biking and equestrian trails. Bear
Ken Hall shares winter bird species to look out for as the seasons change. As many of our Spring and Summer bird friends have moved on to warmer climates, our Winter guests have arrived. Appearing to increase in species and numbers each day. Bushtits, Juncos, White Crowned Sparrows, and many more are too numerous to
“I’m going down to South Park Gonna leave my woes behind” Driving back from Aspen, my son and I took the awe-inspiring Independence Pass route that serpentines through the Sawatch Mountain Range of the Continental Divide, dropping down into Twin Lakes, the Upper Arkansas River Valley, then winding into the South Park Basin. My son
Hello to all. Bird nut here. Seems like I was just writing with excitement and anticipation of the spring arrival of many migratory summer visitors. Now I write of the exodus of literally millions of birds as they return to their winter habitats, some as far south as South America. I am particularly amazed at
As my eldest son Hudson and his lifelong friends embark on their senior year of high school this year, I cannot help but reflect on their journey. How have the remarkable amount of changes around what all of our students and educators went through in a COVID-19 world impacted them? Fast forward to today, going
“I recalled the places I had seen with my mother when I was a little boy – the mountaintop Buddhist retreats. There in the Colorado mountains, I tried to listen to the silence again – just as my mother had taught me. The investigation of the place became a kind of religious experience for me.”
Ken Hall, aka Bird Nut here. What a wonderful green, wet spring we are having. As we head into summer, being a bird nut encompasses a much wider spectrum of interest. Birds are – or have – nested and are busy rearing youngsters. They have many natural food sources to choose from, and are not
Ken Hall here. Or you may refer to me as the bird nut. Spring has sprung in all its glory. We have wonderful rains, the color green has returned and lilacs are blooming. There’s no better time to be outdoors enjoying all its beauty. It pleases me to see so many people out slow wandering
Finally spring has returned. If you are a bird lover it is the Holy Grail of seasons. It is a time when many of our bird friends return: some for short periods of time, many to nest and raise young, till their exodus comes in fall. Most Front Range parks, lakes and creeks will be
Ahoy, mateys! This salty sea captain has a tale to tell. While tossing back some ales at ye old Edgewater Inn, one of my galley gal-pals invited me to go pickling with her the following day at the park! Unsure how to take her offer and not wanting to offend, I paused to think. I
Crown Hill Park is easily the one location I have photographed most since moving to Colorado sight unseen in 1999. I have walked hundreds of miles around the lake. The park holds many fond memories, as I spent much time wandering the perimeter when my children were younger, listening to croaking frogs in the waters,
“To plant a garden is to believe in tomorrow.” – Aubrey Hepburn Spring has officially sprung, and thoughts of renewal, planting and growing come to mind as the snow melts and days become longer. I love this time of year when the tiniest shoots of green and color push through the soil and trees awaken
Fifteen miles east lies the 16,000-acre urban wildlife refuge of Rocky Mountain Arsenal. Rocky Mountain Arsenal is home to bison, deer, eagles, coyotes, black-footed ferrets, burrowing owls, and migratory birds, with expansive 360-degree views and over 20 miles of hiking trails. The refuge is open year-round from sunrise to sunset and offers hiking, biking, archery
As each evening begins to stay lighter a bit longer, we have more time to enjoy activities outside – such an encouraging thought that springtime is right around the corner! Idaho Springs often gets overlooked by those seeking the larger resorts west of the Continental Divide, however Idaho Springs can be a fun option that
I hope you all had a peaceful and joyous holiday season! It’s a New Year and if you’re anything like me, it’s great to get out to explore affordable activities with family and friends. One of my favorite towns is the quaint Manitou Springs. This unique historic city is dappled with unique shops, offers a
“Go confidently in the direction of your dreams! Live the life you’ve imagined. As you simplify your life, the laws of the universe will be simpler.”“Dreams are the touchstones of our characters.” –Henry David Thoreau Mount Falcon Park, a scenic landscape just 20 minutes from Wheat Ridge, provides captivating views of ponderosa pines shadowing grassy meadows. The West
The Clear Creek Greenbelt, which runs between Golden and Denver, offers 300 acres of open space for recreational activity including walking, running, cycling, gold panning, fishing and horseback riding. Beginning in the Continental Divide, Clear Creek runs 66 miles from Loveland Pass, cascades down through Georgetown, Idaho Springs, and carves a path through Clear Creek
One of my favorite Colorado State Parks is Golden Gate Canyon State Park, and offers a rich history paired with a diverse range of year-round recreational activities for people of all abilities. Located a mere 30-45 minutes from Wheat Ridge and just 13 miles west on Golden Gate Canyon Road, Golden Gate consists of 12,000
“Study nature, love nature, stay close to nature. It will never fail you.” –Frank Lloyd Wright Calling Wheat Ridge home, we are lucky to be in close proximity to amazing recreation opportunities; from bird watching along Clear Creek, strolling Crown Hill Park, hiking the foothills, world-class skiing, and much more. Wheat Ridge indeed offers many
