Chatfield State Park, October 2014

Photo outing Friday saw me stay really close to home -- just across Wadsworth to Chatfield State Park. I was hoping for birds -- owls, eagles, herons and such. But on a gorgeous Colorado fall day, there's no need for too specific of a wish list.  Just keep an open mind and open eyes, and the beauty will find you.

The first unexpected opportunity came from a pair of hot air balloons.  Not what I was looking for, but exactly what I meant about beauty finding you.

They seem to move slowly from a distance.  But when one glides right over you and you're shooting off a tripod, it does require pretty rapid recomposing.  I was happy to get some nice light as this one went by.

I thought I was having a relaxing morning.  This guy looks like he had me beat.

Nice low sunlight filtering through some turning trees.

I notice trails a lot more when they and the trees around them are covered in autumn leaves.

There was barely any breeze, so reflections off the water were lovely.

I saw quite a few northern flickers, which I didn't necessarily expect.  They didn't typically let me get close enough for a great shot, which was completely expected.

I did get my first western meadowlark shot ever, which was nice.  They were also a little too skittish for me to get as close as I'd like.

A flotilla of American Coots were heading toward open water.  Leisurely, but purposefully.

Some common blanketflower were in bloom.  Sort of amazing for mid-October.  Like the season's final act.

Seed pods still interest and impress me.  So much detail and beauty in something just intended as a vessel to give life to a new generation.

My major wildlife sighting for the day.  This little fellow sat frozen while I took his portrait.  I did some bushwhacking for a bit looking in the trees near the reservoir for owls or eagles, but came up empty.  Still, I saw foliage, reflections, birds, mammals and flowers all in one outing.  It just took an open mind and open eyes!