Though October gets the nod in the Midwest, September is my favorite month in Colorado. Mild days and cool nights typify the weather and snow dusts the high peaks, heralding a change in the seasons. Out on the Eastern Plains, large flocks of gulls, waders, shorebirds, cormorants, pelicans and early waterfowl gather at the larger reservoirs, preparing to migrate to southern climes.
Songbirds are moving south along the foothills while, in the higher mountains, some species are preparing their descent to lower elevations for the winter. In like manner, Colorado's elk begin their journey to mountain valleys and foothill meadows and, by the end of the month, the bugles of the adult bulls echo through the high country. The quaking aspen start to turn by the middle of the month, producing shimmering blankets of gold as September wanes.
Best of all, the summer crowds have dispersed and hikers can enjoy this mountain splendor in relative solitude. Glorious weather, spectacular scenery, abundant wildlife and an escape from social turmoil...what else could a naturalist want?
