Impression Evergreen

Elk in the Meadow It’s a crisp spring evening and a modest herd of scraggly elk has emerged from the woodland to forage in the meadow. The sun’s rays are strained through a thin veil of clouds creating a milky haze that softens sharp edges. The wild animals are scattered across the hillside, their dark silhouettes observed in all manner of activity. Most are grazing contentedly but a few are on the move and a couple are curious about the stranger who has invaded their habitat. Intermingled with the furry, brown beasts is a flock of mountain bluebirds who sweep about nervously, their plumage glowing brightly in the low light. It’s an idyllic scene emanating tranquility and the spirit of optimism as this new season cautiously begins. Foraging in the meadow Mountain bluebirds intermingle Wild animals Scattered across the hillside Dark silhouettes An idyllic scene Curious about the stranger Spirit of optimism

Chasing bluebirds During this wearisome time, my mornings have been spent in Elk Meadow chasing bluebirds. It is early spring in the foothills so the steep trails are slick and muddy and Bergen Peak’s rocky summit is still laced with everlasting snow. Most of the summer residents are back including the red-winged blackbirds that nest just above waterline in the cattail marsh located at the lower end of the park. The lonely pathway is completely quiet except for the chorus of conspicuous calls made by the elusive inhabitants of this isolated grassland. Nuthatches make a tapping sound as they peck into the bark of a ponderosa pine while a northern flicker claims territory by emitting his distinctive call from the tree’s top. The sweetest song heard in the countryside is the beautiful melody sung by the western meadowlark and that unique warbling sound made by mountain bluebirds in flight attracts my attention to their variable landing zones. This season there has been such a p...