Embarking on an adventurous Saturday morning, I made a spontaneous
decision to visit City Park, curious to catch a glimpse of the endearing
Common Merganser family. My intention was simple: to ensure their
well-being, to affirm their safety in this bustling world.
As I arrived, relief washed over me. The serene scene unfolded before my eyes—mother-duck gracefully gliding through the water, ever watchful for lurking danger, while the ducklings basked on a sun-kissed rock, relishing the warmth of the morning rays.
However, it wasn't long before their playful spirits took hold. With a
swift slide into the water, they embarked on a quest—for breakfast, or
perhaps a touch of mischief. What amazed me was their skillful diving,
despite their diminutive size. Like acrobats of the aquatic realm, they
plunged beneath the surface, vanishing and reemerging in an aquatic
ballet that left me in awe.
Having sated their hunger, a sense of tranquility settled upon them.
They glided back and forth, their dives imbued with a touch less fervor.
Even though Common Mergansers are known for their piscine prowess, the
blades of grass enticed the ducklings, as they made playful attempts to
tear a piece, their curious nature shining through.
Ever vigilant, the mother kept a watchful eye, her protective instincts
guiding her every move. Witnessing their resilience and flourishing
existence warmed my heart.
As I strolled back to my car, a surprising sight greeted me—a swallow
perched serenely upon a fence. While these birds are usually in constant
motion, their swift flight a marvel to behold, this stillness was a
rare encounter I couldn't pass up. I drew closer, eagerly observing this
usually elusive creature, most commonly witnessed as a fleeting streak
across the sky.
Along the edge of the lake, a congregation of female Red-Winged
Blackbirds graced the tall grass. Their muted hues paled in comparison
to their male counterparts, yet their charm and comedic antics were
undeniably endearing.
Eager to explore further, I bid farewell to the park and set my sights
on the mountains. My destination: Central City, where I planned to
embark on a picturesque hike, hoping to stumble upon something
intriguing.
The harmonious combination of aspen trees and majestic mountains
unfolded before me. To my astonishment, the landscape was adorned with a
vibrant tapestry of blossoming flowers. The unexpected abundance of
these floral wonders brought a surge of joy to my heart.
Nature's allure beckoned butterflies, who, unafraid, allowed me to draw near.
As I meandered along the undulating paths, I relished the cool
mountain air and the breathtaking vistas. The fragrant perfume of pine
trees mingled with the delicate scent of the blooming flowers, a sensory
treat that enveloped me.
The terrain, dominated by a lush growth of aspen trees, offered a sight
that delighted my eyes - the interplay of soft sunlight and verdant
foliage, casting an enchanting dance of light and shadow.
In a serendipitous moment, I chanced upon a hummingbird perched
delicately on a fence, taking respite from its usual rapid flights.
Rarely do these tiny, vibrant creatures reveal their tranquil side,
their motionless repose a captivating contrast to the lightning-fast
movements that define them. It was a sight to treasure.
Flowers and mountains became my delightful companions throughout the hike, as if they had conspired to create the perfect day.
Mountains and flowers - truly, what more could one desire in these
lofty heights? Yet, my wanderings led me to a puzzling discovery - a
series of claw marks etched upon the trunks of aspen trees. The thought
of bears roaming these lands flickered in my mind, but I reasoned that
the clamor of human presence might keep them at bay. With this
assurance, I delved deeper into the forest, my gaze attuned to every
detail.
And there, amidst the currents bushes, I chanced upon more
hummingbirds, their delicate forms darting and feeding. Could there be a
more adorable sight? Their captivating presence accompanied me along
the winding trails, a reminder of the beauty that graced my journey.
More flowers, more mountains, more birds...
As I concluded my journey, thoroughly contented, I couldn't help but ponder the possibility of repeating this delightful adventure in the upcoming weekend. The allure of nature's wonders beckoned, tempting me with its siren song.
As you might guess, ChatGPT helped me with the story again ;)
Pictures were taken on June 24, 2023.
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