July 9th, 2011: miniature roses, sign, pretty grass, cool tree stumps and ladybug

These lovely manicured miniature roses were near the parking lot of the trail that continued from the 104th Open Space:
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This sign marked this farther, and new to us, expanse of trail. The birding community of Denver sponsored much of the scenic turnoffs near the riverside, and lots of nooks with benches and binocular signs along the way:
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Pretty wild grasses:
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These tree stumps were captivating. A stalk grew from one that sported a pretty little ladybug:
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July 9th, 2011: river views, wildflowers,butterflies

The South Platte was running fast and high, and had flattened some shrubs and reeds during recent flooding:
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Lovely wildflowers dotted the riverside. Delicate white butterflies flitted en masse about them:
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July 9th, 2011: run-off overflow, vaginal tree

Antonio and I paused to watch the turbulent flow of run-off:
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There was something vaginal and powerful about this naturally-slit old tree:
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July 9th, 2011: egret, cormorants, Canada geese

This Snowy Egret was a wonderful study:
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Double-crested Cormorants along the river were busy drying their wings--or, as I prefer to think of it, doing their Dracula impersonations:
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A gaggle o' Canada Geese:
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July 9th, 2011: herons, kingbirds, robin

Great Blue Herons were at every turn:
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Eastern Kingbird:
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A different Eastern Kingbird:
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American Robin:
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July 9th, 2011: sunflowers, blooming thistle, greenery

Only two sunflowers grew near the river:
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The purple thistle blooms were electric:
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Various greenery:
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