From the courtyard: moon, sunset, crows, and a Cooper's hawk.

These were taken November 8th through December 4th, from inside the courtyard and in the backyard:

Cyberwolf took this on the night of November 8th.

Dad took these delightful sunset photos in late November:
Vibrant...
The sunset bleeds and sucks its thumb.
The lights of Northglenn nestled below.

Mom took these December 4th:
Crow at the top of old apple tree.
Crows in the same spot..
Crows in neighbors tree.
Cooper's Hawk in apple tree.
The hawk came closer and perched on the courtyard fence for awhile.
Such a piercing eye!

Slushy lake, pigeons, Canda geese, and a tiny pied-billed grebe.

After three weeks of being a reluctant shut-in due to the uncooperative temperature, Saturday saw an uncanny warmth of 55 degrees F. Starving to be immersed in nature, I roused the boys and we traipsed down the familiar 104th Open Space Trail. Jay took the helm as photo facilitator for the day.

The first lake, not far from the parking lot, intrigued us with its layer of slush on the surface.
The rippling of the water was visible beneath the slush-skin.
Cyberwolf tossed a stone at the slush to see how icy it was. It landed with a plorp! and was slowly absorbed--so it seemed. Upon our return, the mark it left wasn't even visible.

Past the lake the path turns to the right, aligning with the South Platte River. Above pigeons huddled for warmth.

Emerging from beneath the bridge on the opposite side of 104th, I spied this charming pair. Sparrows, perhaps?

Canada Geese lounging on a pebbly beach.

There were Canada geese everywhere, congesting each lake, pond, river, beach, and airspace. The resounding yodel of earthy hornks! was, if not musical, at least wildly poetic. We observed these fellows gliding along, and then collectively squealed in delight at this tiny duck swimming not far from them. It seemed small enough to fit in one's hand! It continuously dipped beneath the water, and we were surprised by how long it held its breath.

To be continued tomorrow!