Colorado Springs area

I took some friends from California, Paula and Alan, to North Cheyenne Canyon Park to hike and enjoy the scenery today. Located on the west edge of Colorado Springs, this is city owned mountain park. Helen Hunt and Silver Cascade Falls were running strong due to all the rain SE Colorado has received in the past month. There is a short 1/3 mile hike (though it climbs several hundred feet and is steep in some places) to the top of these falls.

Hummingbirds, both Broad-tailed and Black-chinned, were the most obvious birds here. There were two Ravens that called loudly. The best find was an Abert's squirrel.

Garden of the Gods Park was much birdier. Also a city park, the fantastic red colored rock formations draw visitors from around the US and the world. There were as one might expect a number of singing Canyon Wrens. A Spotted Towhee guarded its territory, calling loudly as we encroached. I saw a White-throated Swift fly out from a crevice in one of the large rock formations, and could hear a lot of calling in that location possibly indicating a nest in there. Pinyon Jays gave their raucous calls around the park. And I caught a brief glimpse of a falcon flying away.
SeEtta