Impression Evergreen

Mule Deer Morning The local wildlife is becoming more active because the morning light is brighter and the winter weather is warmer. The forest is slowly waking to the sound of flickers, chickadees, nuthatches and woodpeckers. Recently, while walking through a drowsy woodland, I stumbled across a small herd of deer. I found them on a rocky hillside foraging for brush, branches and anything else they could find. They were a tight-knit bunch of females and yearlings and they were unconcerned by my presence. Because hunting is not allowed in the area, they tolerate the intrusion of humans into their domain. If anything, the mule deer were intensely curious as they contemplated my activity. I remained quiet and still and watched while they gracefully negotiated the mountain’s rugged terrain. Fortunately, I was able to document this intimate encounter. I had my phone with me so I was able to take some pictures and get a quick video in order to capture their extraordinary moveme

Forest dweller On a cold, winter morning while traversing a snowy hillside, a couple of hidden creatures was revealed by the day’s first light. A young doe and buck were foraging so quietly in the shadows that they could have been easily missed. As they must be used to human contact, they never became startled and seemed to be curious about my ability to maintain balance. The north facing slope is always more difficult to negotiate because the shadowed terrain is broken by rock, snow and ice. The harsh conditions didn’t seem to bother the mule deer as they were completely at ease while grazing in the depths of a dark woodland. It’s a secretive environment described by dense foliage, damp atmosphere and cool temperatures but it’s a safe haven providing security and shelter to all of its forest dwellers. Completely at ease Quiet in the shadows Revealed by first light A secretive environment

Mule Deer Moment On a dreary, early-autumn morning in the Front Range foothills, swollen, gray clouds have descended to the earth. The colorless curtain shrouds the countryside with an air of mystery and eerie silence. There’s no reason to carry a camera because the low light makes it impossible to even conceive of documenting this unique weather phenomena. In the cold and wet there’s plenty of solitude as there’s not another living soul in sight. A steady drizzle of much needed moisture causes the outline of all elements in the landscape to soften and become blurred. Despite the absence of light, the fall color is more vibrant when the grasses, trees and brush are coated with a vaporous sheen. The soggy jaunt comes with no expectations of anything special as it’s just a chance to soak up the surroundings. Suddenly, up over the crest of a broad ridge a trio of gentle animals is grazing right at the forest’s edge. It’s a mule deer moment that’s just too irresistible to disr

Curious Mule Deer On a wintery afternoon, a hardy visitor unexpectedly appeared out of the mist. A young mule deer buck was out in the meadow foraging for the most nutritious food source available. Munching on mostly shrubs, twigs and tree branches, our famished friend displayed an enormous appetite. On just such a diet, the disheveled deer had managed to survive another harsh winter. As I slushed through snow to document our encounter, the curious creature came even closer. Face to face with a magnificent muley, time stood still during an unforgettable nature moment. I’m not sure what he was thinking. Maybe he thought I had food for him or maybe he wondered why I was out in the middle of a snowstorm. Anyway, after close inspection, he went back to his herd and I went back to mine. An unexpected visitor Foraging for food Munching on shrubs Another harsh winter The curious creature Came closer Face to face with a muley A nature moment

White Ranch Park Located northwest out of Golden, White Ranch Park is an open space that offers plenty of room to roam. Upon entering through an elaborate gateway, you'll discover a rugged landscape carved by Van Bibber Creek. The lush environment is a birder's paradise that, after crossing an old wooden bridge, gives way to steep hillsides. Teeming with wildlife as well, the scrub forest is most definitely the domain of the mule deer. Spring is busy. The place is bursting with renewed activity. Filled with cold runoff, the resilient Van Bibber rushes down out of snowy Front Range Peaks. Concealed in the canopy of fresh yellow and green, noisy birds are building nests. Summer is hot and dry. Quiet days give way to afternoon thunder showers that quench the parched brook. As evening descends and temperatures cool, the park comes to life. A chorus of happy birds serenades the deer grazing on grassy, green knolls. Fall is pretty. Jagged Devil's Thumb rises out of a

An impressive bison While waiting for practice to end, wandering down to Evergreen Memorial Park is like walking back in time. Set in Colorado's Front Range foothills, the sprawling meadow serves as a cemetery, wildlife preserve and wedding ground. The weathered barn chapel, complete with stained-glass windows, is a symbolic structure and fitting tribute to the early settlers of Evergreen and the Old West. Just like days gone by, buffalo roam across a golden plain and gather on the muddy banks of a lively watering hole. Occupying a rocky domain, amusing goats and friendly fallow deer greet the visitor with unbridled enthusiasm. Further along the path, an impressive herd of antlered elk is tame enough to be hand-fed. The curious critters use their long, sticky tongues to swipe pellets of compressed hay directly from your clutch. An interesting ritual is the daily occurrence of congregating clouds that seem to melt into the cool-blue mountains. The fascinating weather effect