Spring brings delightful finds

A hardy group of Greeley birders braved the winds Saturday in search of spring migrants at Lory State Park northwest of Fort Collins. Some rare birds were found. They believe they saw a visitor from Mexico -- a black-capped gnatcatcher. They also found a Virginia's warbler, a towhee and a broad-tailed hummingbird. They also visited our "resident" bald eagle families, one near Ptarmigan Golf Course and the other at Siebring Reservoir.

We are lucky to be close to the Central Flyway; the Pawnee National Grassland (a shortgrass steppe) provides cover and food for birds as they travel north in the spring and south in the fall. If one is fast and handy with binoculars, many colorful and unique birds can be observed and enjoyed.

Another aspect of spring is noted by nature-lovers -- wildflowers are blooming. The Devil's Backbone Trail, just west of Loveland's city limits, isn't noticed by most passers-by. Look for a large water tank that sits on a hill north of the highway; before you reach the tank, turn to the right onto a gravel road that leads to the trail. This is an easy trail for most people, a gentle incline along the hogback boasting a rocky sandstone formation is home to a lot of raptors. Parts of the trail may be closed for a time so that nests are not disturbed, but there are alternate routes. The lark sparrows with their striking red and black harlequin face pattern appear large and were numerous and busy along the trail; they probably nest in the area.

Look for the colorful flowers right now. These include members of the pea family such as a pink milk vetch (Astragalus) and yellow-flowered, three-leaved golden banner (Thermopsis). Many low sand lilies (Leucocrinum) are close to the trail. They appear as small bouquets tucked on the ground surrounded by small leaves. Each flower has long white petals with yellow centers. Prickly pears (Opuntia) will soon be in bloom, with yellow or pink or orange blossoms.

The woody shrub mountain-mahogany (Cercocarpus) is common on these hogbacks. Watch for bicyclists and horseback riders.

Sue Kamal is a bird watcher and gardener who lives in Greeley with her family.