Sometimes life just gets in the way and a trip to the mountains for fall colors doesn’t happen. Pretty much all of October, until today, has been spent preparing for moving–the real move–and unpacking from moving. What a process and I only moved to the other side of this apartment complex! Well, 1,000 miles or 1/10 mile demands nearly the same moving process–sigh. However, now the views from my windows and slider (below) includes Pikes Peak and a lovely view southeast along the Front Range. Since we can’t get away this fall, let’s take a look around the Springs for amazing autumn colors!
Garden of the Gods is often my morning walk, and is it ever gorgeous this year! The cottonwoods have never been so colorful.
It was a surprise to see Bighorn Sheep this time of year. Their rut season (mating) is November and females are in the hills. We never see the ewes or the youngsters down here. These big boys will literally be heading for the hills very soon.
Quite a change from the yellow and gold all over the park! Virginia Creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia–now that’s a mouth full) is a vine very common here. Normally you barely notice its green leaves blending into the landscape, but in the autumn–wow! Brilliant red through much of September, October, and into November!
Autumn wouldn’t be complete without a visit to Fountain Creek Nature Center and Recreational Trail. With the creek and five ponds close by the chances of seeing lots of birds, waterfowl, and critters is usually a given. However, right now most of the birds and waterfowl have migrated through and many critters are hiding from the cold or headed for rut in the hills. We’ll hope for the best!
Straight ahead is Grandfather Cottonwood. Cottonwood trees live between 50 to 100 years, but this “old man” is over 150 years old.
We came across a small flock of White-crowned Sparrows. We see them in the mountains all summer, but they spend the winter with us.
Milkweed is all but gone by October’s end, but not in this small protected area. A good wind is all that’s needed.
Near the Nature Center’s Visitor Center are two ponds, and this smaller pond it getting even smaller as the reeds take over. We often see Blue Herons hunting along the reed’s edges and today is no exception.
Can’t leave you without taking a look at Pikes Peak. Already there has been snow on the peak three times and as the clouds are currently letting us peek at the peak, there is quite a bit of snow up there over 14,000 feet. We had some flurries down here earlier, but the sun is winning over the clouds right now. The forecast is for snow later today into tomorrow. We could get up to seven inches, but the good news is living on the front of the mountains rather than in them? The snow disappears within a day or two. Ahhhh . . .
Don’t miss the beautiful autumn colors near you!
Until next time . . .
Beautiful way to start the day. I can see why they call it Garden of the Gods. Looking forward to your next walk!
According to your beautiful photos, the move was worth it! Glad you’re out and about again! Enjoyed the post.