Springtime in the Rockies in At the foot of the hill

I know I’ve said it before (and will probably say it again), we are more apt to have a White Easter than a White Christmas in these parts. Since Easter is so late this year (April 21) we are hoping it doesn’t happen. Statistically, March and April are our snowiest months. After a few days in the 70’s, we have a fresh carpet of white stuff this morning, just to add a couple inches to March’s impressive total before she rolls on out of here. Maybe April will be nice.

The grass is beginning to get green now around the lake. The Aspen tree has buds popping open with their little cotton puffs. I suspect the spring flowers are sprouting. What flowers I get to have will be annuals that will not get planted in their pots until probably Mothers Day. I am getting anxious to sit out on the deck!

Bird watching has become interesting as this little lake attracts many migrating species as well as those who spend the summer here. The pelican (we are sure it’s the same one every year) makes this his rest stop for a few weeks every spring and fall. He’s around. We always have Canada geese. No way to tell if some of them stay year round. (They get to be a nuisance.) Several species of ducks, gulls, and a smattering of other water birds. Finches, chick-a-dees, swallows, crows, owls, even hawks. The squirrels who live here are also getting more active. The rabbits come and go, thanks to the big predatory birds and a few wandering coyotes and foxes.
The nicely maintained walking path around the lake is used by so many people strolling, power walking, jogging, biking, skating, walking the dog, pushing the baby conveyances. The path, as well as the lake are owned and taken care of by the park district and is kept clean and trimmed and beautiful year-round.
It’s my privilege to live in a quiet, 3rd story apartment overlooking this little pond. Even though it’s a few steps from a high traffic intersection and cars zoom by six lanes wide at all hours, I have learned to block that out when I am concentrating on nature. The night view is spectacular as well with all the city lights and a good chunk of starry sky.
You know what? I think I’ll just stay here for awhile.