Page 20 - Sentinel June 2017

RED ROCKS Continued from page 18 ing for suet. But then a juvenile bear climbed the deck posts to
share in the bounty. But I had to laugh, as he selected suet that
was infused with pepper to discourage squirrels. Obviously af-
ter a few bites he thought the better and moved on after leaving
us a present of his own making. Lovely. He slid down a deck
post just like a fireman descending by a fire pole.

ROXBOROUGH STATE PARK

template them, to learn their history. Of course, Garden of the
Gods is a spectacular example of the red rocks, but the Fountain
Valley trail in Roxborough State Park here in Douglas County
features several trails that take you beyond the park boundar-
ies and into the foothills. The Fountain Valley Trail is a perfect
place to start because it features the best part of the park, its
towering slabs of red rock we call home.

[Editor’s note: this is the first in a series of articles about
the Larkspur area, the area many of us call home. In coming
months, we’ll explore the Native Americans who once called
it home, the wildlife, the coming of the explorers, the building
of the railroads and the growth of towns, and particularly the
history of Larkspur and of Perry Park. I invite one and all to
participate—pictures? Articles? Send them along. ]

A WALK ON THE WILD SIDE
Susan Peters... Once I ran outside amidst the blowing snow to put out more
birdseed, and was amazed at the symphony occurring. Court-
Spring White Madness... ing continued with towhees and redwing blackbirds did their
Hawaii Wildlife Dilemma... best to attract the ladies with belting out an appropriate melody.
Short Takes A flicker pounded away as a mixed flock of small birds such as
finches and pine siskins twittered happily as if it were a sun-
Snowbound ny day. A flock of red-winged blackbirds chatted noisily in a
A few months ago, I was la- snow-laden willow tree.
menting the lack of snow to
benefit our trees and bushes. A good snowfall usually brings in a gem seldom seen in these
OK, Mother Nature, we are fine parts. This time it was a gorgeous red crossbill hitting the feed-
now. Thanks for the help. Enough, all right already. But we ers. He was joined by black-headed grosbeaks, brown-headed
do need rain, not snow or hail, for the summer and fall months. cowbirds, chipping sparrows, and goldfinches. A pair of large
During a hellacious storm in mid-May, the snow kept coming crows kept close to the pile of raw peanuts, much to the ire of
down and coming down and coming down and of course, piling the stellar jays. Missing in jay kingdom are the blue jays and
up. So, who are the birds in your neighborhood? Spring snow scrub jays, off to summer where it truly is summer.
storms are a great time to do a spring birdy inventory.
The insect eaters like the robins, bluebirds, and wrens had to
Last week Western Tanagers returned to our suet feeders, which find eats in places other than our birdseed offerings. But the
have become the singles bar meet-up place for them. Shortly hummers zoomed in and out from their feeders, needing fre-
they will get past the flirty stage and get serious about raising a quent brushing off of the snow. They will have to wait until
family. It must be difficult having to share the small bar area better weather to resume their competitive high-dive acts.
with chickadees, grosbeaks, nuthatches, and woodpeckers vy-

Continued on page 21
Page 20 - June 2017 Perry Park Sentinel