Denver City Park: July 2016

It's nice to be back in Colorado, enjoying high temperatures in the 70s again. I spent most of today seeing old friends, but squeezed in a quick stop at Denver City Park to see what was going on at Ferril Lake.

The answer was that not a lot was going on.  The little island where I'd seen so many nests last year seemed a little less populated.  I don't know if having less moisture this spring was a factor.  But the one bird I saw in abundance were Black-crowned Night Herons, which I appreciated since I have trouble getting clear looks at the ones who roost at the UT Southwestern Medical Center rookery back in Dallas.

I spent a while watching this one try and choke down what looked like a juvenile Snowy Egret.  Early on I thought he had no chance.  But in a testament to perseverance, it eventually disappeared down the hatch.  The persistent diner then didn't move for quite a while while digesting.

Fortunately, another flew down to give me a slightly more animated subject.

I like the composition here, with the bird facing to its right and allowing me to bring in the shore rocks.

There were some juvenile Black-crowneds in the trees, but generally obscured by branches.  I did see a young Snowy Egret clearly enough to get a portrait.

Skies were generally overcast; light only peeked through briefly.  I take the raised leg to indicate that this guy was enjoying his moment in the sun.  HA!  See what I did there? :)

The lake did have quite a coating of algae, which most folks probably don't care for but I thought added some interesting texture to the background.

I only stayed for 30 minutes, but was pretty pleased with what City Park had to offer!