Signs of Spring...

We went for a walk along the Colorado River front this morning. It is a maintained trail, and a wildlife preserve. Birdsong surrounded us, including the raucous song of this robin, sitting among the budding branches and declaring Spring to be on the way. This photo reminds me a lot of my February calendar tapestry, so I guess I got that image right! (Except I was smart enough to not try to weave so many branches, or I'd still be at it!)


We also saw this Great Horned Owl, sitting on her nest. She has used this nest for several years now, and local birders come back to see her and check on her family every year. She was quite unconcerned about us. I will go back in a few weeks and see if I can get photos of the owlets when they hatch! I have also been hearing 'our' owl in the yard recently. It is a western screech owl, and has been a part of our lives since we moved here.


Booker also enjoyed the walk. We had the trail to ourselves most of the time, though we met birders a couple of times, out checking on the owl (including our down-the-street neighbors!) I loved this old cottonwood, which has one of it's great trunks crossing the trail. If I had been a few years younger, I would have HAD to climb across it!

It was good to walk among trees again. That is one of the things I enjoy so in New England when we visit there, but we don't have many wooded areas here in our desert valley. I am so glad the state has chosen to protect this lovely area along the river for those of us, animal and human alike, who love and need Nature to exist!