While the afternoons are still summer-like along the Colorado Front Range, the mornings now bring an autumn chill due to the longer nights. Down on the South Platte River just after dawn, that chill was especially intense and, in response, the wild residents were noisy and active.
Canada geese, mallards, magpies and cedar waxwings were especially conspicuous and migrant ducks were beginning to arrive from the north; this morning's visitors included blue-winged teal, American wigeon and gadwalls. A few summer residents still remain and a lone snowy egret, huddled on driftwood in the shallows, seemed to be contemplating his escape to warmer climes. Normally nocturnal, a beaver was active in the post-dawn chill, inspecting his dam before winter arrives.
We humans, like the wildlife, are also invigorated by the chilly air and the riverside path was filled with walkers, bikers and joggers. After all, the fall equinox arrives this weekend (September 22) and the glorious month of October, which usually brings the first snow showers to the urban corridor, is just around the bend.
Canada geese, mallards, magpies and cedar waxwings were especially conspicuous and migrant ducks were beginning to arrive from the north; this morning's visitors included blue-winged teal, American wigeon and gadwalls. A few summer residents still remain and a lone snowy egret, huddled on driftwood in the shallows, seemed to be contemplating his escape to warmer climes. Normally nocturnal, a beaver was active in the post-dawn chill, inspecting his dam before winter arrives.
We humans, like the wildlife, are also invigorated by the chilly air and the riverside path was filled with walkers, bikers and joggers. After all, the fall equinox arrives this weekend (September 22) and the glorious month of October, which usually brings the first snow showers to the urban corridor, is just around the bend.
