Frozen Spider Web Day

We started out today with a frozen fog blowing through. This tends to coat everything in ice. Grass, bushes, trees, all coated in ice.

But the most beautiful thing is when the spider webs are suddenly all made visible when they are coated in ice. Each delicate stand is suddenly dozens of times thicker than itself because it has been enveloped in a coat of ice.

Usually, this only happens once a year because the same frost that coats the webs also kills the spiders.

So much till next year.

Birth of a hummingbird

If you've been reading this blog then you know because of the bear incident that we have a hummingbird feeder.

Well here is a sequence of pictures of hummingbirds from eggs to fledglings.

It is truly amazing. Be sure to click on NEXT PAGE at the bottom of each page; there are 5 pages in all. A lady found a hummingbird nest and got pictures all the way from the egg to leaving the nest. Took 24 days from birth to flight. Because it's a special series to see in your lifetime , enjoy; and please share.

Birth of a hummingbird

Climbed Arapahoe Peak

Last Sunday, I went back and did a climb that I've not done in about a decade. I climbed South Arapahoe Peak. The tailhead is about a 3/4 hour drive from here. The Arapahoe Peaks are prominent around here because they are a pair of "thirteeners" sitting right on the continental divide.

Of course I had to take pictures: http://arapahoepeak.forsytherock.com
After getting to the top of South Arapahoe Peak, I decided that I finally had the time to climb on over to North Arapahoe Peak. The only way to get there is along a long semicircle knife edge that connects the South to the North Peak. The pictures tell the story.

Camping in the neighborhood.

Seeing Don's video below reminded me that I've not previously posted a link to a video I did nearly 3 years ago.

Dolphins Watching in the Florida Keys

I told my friend Don Paris how easy it is to post videos to video.google.com

Here's what he came up with:



Now he's all excited about getting more of his videos out too!

Eagle - Golden or Bald

We had a eagle land on the large single tree in the front yard today. We could not tell if it was an immature Golden Eagle or immature Bald Eagle.

The bear came back

The bear that recently had his way with the humming bird feeders must have sensed that I was out for a few days. He left teeth marks and cracked one of the 3 feeders and knocked another down completely.

Its time to bear proof the feeders. A neighbor says this particular bear is pretty harmless, but I still don't need a visit from a large mammel with sharp teeth and claws. It just messes with my delusion that I'm the top of the food chain to much.

House Wren hatchlings are getting ready to fledge

The house wren house cleaning refered to in a previous post is coming to its natural conclusion. I just noticed that the hatchlings are starting to look out of the bird house hole and wondering if they could just go and catch their own food. Soon they will.

Bear Alert

I read the other day that the bears seem to be hungry this year because its been to dry. The dry weather keeps there food from growing fast enough.

Well, today I had a up close and personal experience when I discovered a 400 lbs bear perched on a railing, slobering up sugar water from a hummingbird feeder.



Moments after I took this short video, I used loud noise scared him away.

Spring Cleaning in the Rockies

There is a bird out right outside the bedroom window. Its great for bird watching. Last week, a house wren found it and cleaned it out. Here is a short video that I took.

The Elk Invasion Video

Finallly!
Here is the video that I promised way back in March.

Spring Arrives with a Loud Boing!

This morning, I heard a loud BOING coming from the large window while in the bathroom.

A quick look outside showed a bluebird sitting in the snow with a chunk of snow stuck in his half open beak. This bluebird certainly did NOT look happy.

In fact, I knew from past experience that such a stunned bird can easily slip into shock, especially when sitting on snow!

So we got out a box. But the confused bluebird had other ideas. As Rachel approached, it jumped from its spot on the snowy ledge right below the window into Rachel’s hair. He had the right idea, since her head was a lot warmer then the snow.

Rachel walked inside with the blue bird hanging on.


After this picture was taken, Rachel lowered her head into a large box until so we could get the bluebird to jump into the box. Then we put a blanket over th box so that the poor bird could rest and regain his composure.

About half an hour later, we heard scratching coming from the box. Rachel took the box outside and the bluebird, now his happy normal self, took of for the sky.

Birds arrive this time of year from their annual migration. Sometimes, the learning curve in their new environment can be a little steep. I've actually seen bluebirds repeatedly attack their own reflection in the window as they attempt to establish their new territory. I hope that this bluebird learned that he is no threat to himself as long as he does not do battle with his own reflection!

May we all find our happiness by learning that it does not serve us to battle with ourselves. Food for thought.

Latest funny videos, images, games & silliness

The following site tracks what people find interesting and then posts the most popular. Come back often because the list changes all the time.

Latest funny videos, etc

PS. I'd love to put their little widget here for doing this automatically, but blogger does not allow javasript.

Massive Elk Invasion

A few times a year the elk come through the neighborhood here. Today was one of those days. I'll have some megabytage (the digital equivalent of "footage") as soon as I can edit it down and get Google to host it for me.

[puma-news] plants website

Hey Dan and Jennifer,

I'm glad you listened and finally put up that site Thankyou.

Here's the announcement email.

---

Dear Friends,
Dan finally succeeded, and here is the first part of this project. He
made me do it --- otherwise I'm sure I'd still be talking about it ten
years from now. Anyway, It isn't finished, probably never will be, and
it may contain inaccuracies which I hope to correct as time goes by. I'm
only up to the Mint family, and have to go all the way to Violet. I
think the Noxious Plant part is pretty much done. We plan to add a color
guide, but haven't gotten to it yet.

As you will notice, the accompanying text isn't in scientific jargon.
This is for two reasons. 1) I can't seem to stay serious, and 2) Dan
said he thought it would be more useful to more people if it isn't
strictly scientifically rigorous.

So, here's a beginning! Thanks to all of you who requested this. Send
me any comments, pro or con, that you wish. I'm moving to Africa now.

http://www.plantsofmagnolia.net

Best,
Jennifer

[puma-news] Comments on USFS Rural School land sale

TO: USFS Rural School land sales adminstrators

I am writing to express my outrage at the proposed USFS Rural Schools land sale.

First. It is totally unacceptable to sell irreplaceable public land held in trust by the US Forest Service in order to provide temporary funding for rural schools.&! nbsp; Proceeds from the proposed sale are truly negligible compared to the huge debt created by the Bush administration’s mismanagement and malfeasance.  It represents sacrifice of a valuable resource for inconsequential gain.  I acknowledge that the United States faces a financial crisis, however I maintain that sale of our heritage is an extremely shortsighted and irresponsible idea  - and sets a reckless precedent for the future of public lands owned by all US citizens.

 

Second. The notification method and public comment period has been handled so very poorly, that it begs suspicion of a deliberate smoke screen.  The website www.geocommunicator.gov is cumbersome and difficult to use, with many discrepancies between tabulated data and graphic representation.  A parcel marked for sale in the Magnolia Road area (Township 1S Range 72W) that was visible on March 9, was missing from view on March 11, even though the last acknowledged update occurred on February 24.  I believe the parcel that mysteriously disappeared was known as "section 40", and was located on the north side of Magnolia Road at approximately mile 7.5, locally known as the "Boy Scout Rocks", and contiguous to a lar! ger parcel.

 

In spite of the poor maps and descriptions provided, it is obvious that the character of the lands proposed for sale has been grossly misrepresented.  Supposedly, the parcels are “isolated or inefficient to manage” – but study of the on-line map shows that, at least in my local area, the forest service has selected prominent local landmarks, such as Turtle Rock, (T1SR72W Section 15, USFS Parcel Label NENE).  Sale of the other parcels straddling Magnolia Road (T1SR72W, Sections 19, 20, 21 and 40) will effectively eliminate all public access to USFS l! and from Magnolia Road and County Road 97.  It seems obvious that these lands were chosen for their commercial value as real estate, and not because they were inaccessible or “isolated”.

 

Third. The 305,000 acres earmarked for sale are owned by all Americans, an irreplaceable resource held in trust by the US Forest Service.  My husband and I happen to own a home within the shadow of the local landmark known as Turtle Rock (T1SR72W Section 15, label NENE), on! e of the parcels designated for sale.  We have lived here for 22 years, and have good reason to spend the considerable time and effort required to identify the local parcels marked and listed (poorly) on the Geocommunicator website.  I am concerned that most citizens will believe the false descriptions, trust the agency charged with preservation of their wildland heritage, and think they are losing nothing of value.  That conclusion would be wrong – and would result in another egregious violation of the public trust by the Bush adminstration.

 

In summary, I urge you to abandon this bizarre and ill-advised plan and remove all 304,370 acres from consideration for sale.

 

In particular, I object to sale of the following parcels within Roosevelt National Forest, T1SR72W, Sections 15, 19, 20, 21 and 40.

 

Sincerely,

 

Kathryn J. Teuber

28 Frontier Lane

Magnolia Star Route

Nederland, CO  80466

!

303-258-7548

 

[puma-news] Land Sales Initiative in Boulder County

I think the following is very well written and can be used as a model for other letters of concern:

---

To Whom It May Concern:

 

A resident of the Aspen Meadows Subdivision (near Magnolia Road and
County Road 68) for 18 years, I feel obligated to speak out against your
land sale proposal (Land Sales Initiative in Boulder County). First of
all, let me express my disappointment in the limited time that has been
alloted for community feedback, as well as the cumbersome and poorly done
online map provided as a resource for this comment period. 

 

My opposition refers to the Township, Range, and Sections below (any
inaccuracies due to difficulty of interpretation of online map ):

 

Magnolia Road
Township 1S Range 72W
Section 19 - 40 acres
Section 20 - 193 acres Map shows 233)
Section 21 - 160 acres
Section 40 - 40 acres (Map shows 200 acres)
Total Acreage: 473 in the list, 633 on the map

 

All the areas listed above provide necessary wildlife habitat and offer
natural movement corridors for ungulates (specifically elk), bear, mountain lion,
bobcat, fox and coyote.   Increased disturbance as a result of
development, will undoubtedly increase the stress on the species living in these

urban/wildlife interface lands.  Over the past several years, developed land has

resulted in the rapid spread of non-native species of plants, high levels of erosion,

diminished feeding,mating, and birthing grounds, as well as decreased habitat for

a varietyof species from the mountain meadow vole to our state flower,

the Columbine, to the Golden Eagle nesting in the rock above.

 

This obviously politically motivated proposal, whether or not it is guised in
something as seemingly well intentioned like funding for rural schools,
is a disgrace.  Once these lands are sold, it is rather evident that new
ones will be proposed in the name of some other manipulative cause.  The
justification for selling them as "not being able to be sufficiently
managed" speaks volumes as to priorities.  Instead, might it be a better
choice to consider something much greater than ourselves, the need for
space for all the non-human creatures that exist here and to offer ways
to conserve that space. No matter how small or seemingly insignificant
these lands might appear on a map, they all serve an important and necessary
function for wildlife and native plant species. 

 

When decisions are made that continue to erode away
even the smallest bits and pieces of land that have been set aside such
as our nation's Roosevelt National Forest, along with wildlife, we as a society
suffer. If anything, as a People, we should be doing everything we can
to protect and preserve by purchasing additional lands not selling them off.

 

If for no other reason than to preserve our current Roosevelt National
Forest for the future generations, it is time to act in a  thoughtful,
visionary way that holds the faith of the public that our National
Forests will remain the last haven for that herd of elk that passes
through on its journey to summer grounds, seven generations from now.

 

As we whittle away at nature, so too do we whittle away at ourselves. 

 

I am trusting you to do the right thing and not sell off any portion of
these lands listed above, as well as all others being considered. 

 

Sincerely,

 

Sharon Ticehurst
72 Meadowland Ct., Nederland, CO
(303) 449-1789

 

 

 

Instantly transport yourself to a ridge right next to the continental divide

This is just to cool!
But let me digress for just a moment.
A few years ago, I used to live in a town outside Boulder Colorado called Niwot. There's a lot of history that goes with the name that I won't get into right here. But suffice it to say that living in the town of Niwot endeared me to the name. There's another Niwot around as well. In fact, I and a somewhat supernatural experience right at the base of the other Niwot, which is Niwot Rigdge. Again, I'm trying to not get of on to many tangents.

Anyway, I've had a few enjoyable hikes up on Niwot Ridge. I've never gotten all the way to the end of it, and I've always wondered what the view from there would be. Well, (my point, finally) I now have a way to visit the far western end of Niwot Ridge any time I want.

You see, they've got a web cam up there.

So What? I've got a webcam right here at Lazy Z Web Cam.

But this is not just any old web cam.

No.

You'll get a kick out of it. This is a fully weather proofed pan and tilt cam. This means that you an look ALL around and zoom in and out as well.

Really. Try it. Click the link. Niwot Ridge Web Cam

Thanks Niwot Ridge LTER for making this available to us all!

[puma-news] Hopefully helpful map plus coordinates

Dear friends,
Here is more info.  I have given local descriptions to the parcels in hopes of clarifying locations.

Also, here is Dave Hallock's input on Magnolia parcels: My editorial comments are in italics.

Magnolia Road
Township 1S Range 72W
Section 19 - 40 acres {I, Jennifer, believe he means Section 15, not 19. It would include the Turtle Rock, Range Road, and (Bennett/Spangler Parcels. My estimate shows 200 acres. Descriptions: Turtle Rock Parcel - NE1/4 of NE1/4 of Section 15, T1S, R72W; Range Road Parcel - NE1/4 of SW1/4, NW1/4 of SE1/4, and SW1/4 of SE1/4 of Sectrion 15, T1S, R72W; Bennet/Spangler Parcel - NW1/4 of NW1/4 of Section 15, T1S, R72W.)

Section 20 - 193 acres Map shows 233.  (Reynolds Open Space and Loop Trails Parcel. Descriptions: Reynolds Open Space -  SE1/4 of Section 20,  irregular pieces of SW1/4 of Section 20, T1S, R72W.  Loop Trail Parcel - NE1/4 of NW1/4 of Section 20, T1S, R72W.)

Section 21 - 160 acres ( Lazy z Parcel, 40 acre parcel southwest of Boy Scout Trails, and Rt 97 Parcel. Descriptions - Boy Scout Parcel - NW1/4 of NE1/4 of Section 21, T1S, R72W.  Lazy z Parcel - SE1/4 of NE1/4 of Section 21, T1S, R72W.  Rt. 97 Parcel - SW1/4 and SE1/4 of SE1/4 of Section 21, T1S, R72W.)

Section 40 - 40 acres (Map shows 200 acres) (Sections only go from 1 to 36, so I'm not sure what he means.)
Total Acreage: 473 in the list, 633 on the map

Values and Conservation Context:  These lands are part of an elk/wildlife movement corridor between Winiger Ridge and lands west of the Peak-to-Peak Highway, and within elk winter range.  They are designated as an Overland Habitat Connector on the Environmental Conservation Areas map of the Boulder County Comprehensive Plan.  Some of the parcels (those in Sections 19, 20, and a portion of 21) are adjacent to Reynolds Ranch Open Space and other County Open Space acquisitions in the area.  Some of the parcels in all four sections are adjacent to other National Forest lands.  The parcels in Section 19 south of Nederland contain public trails.

Me speaking again ---
Our local concerns are with our elk habitat, fragmentation of habitat for birds and small mammals, including bobcats, plus our personal reasons for living here. 
Funding for rural schools needs to come from a source more consistant than a one-time land sale of parcels that have local importance to their surrounding communities and wildlife.

All our parcels are in T1S, R72W.  When referring to them, you must also use the description I have listed for each, i.e., SW1/4 of NW1/4, etc, including the Section number and Township and Range.

I really couldn't send out a smaller map, so I apologize to anyone whose computer burps and falls over.  Dan says the official maps from USFS, etc, are  "junk."  What ridiculously cumbersome mapping programs!

Please also read Dave Halleck's complete comments in Scott's email about USFS Secure Rural Schools Land Sales Initiative. And, for extra oomph, follow the "discussions" on Puma-news!

Best to all,
Jennifer

Here are people to contact, including the USFS email address:

Senator Wayne Allard
Washington D.C. telephone 202-224-5941
District telephone 303-220-7414

Senator Ken Salazar
Washington D.C. telephone 202-224-5852
District telephone 303-455-7600

Rep. Mark Udall
Washington D.C telephone 202-225-2161
District Office telephone 303-650-7820

SRS_Land_Sales@fs.fed.us

[puma-news] land sale

I was concerned, when I first wrote, that this had slipped under the radar, even of PUMA news-readers, but I see that has changed.

 

I think Dave Hallock’s assessment is a very valid one for this area, in terms of the overall picture of the value of small parcels of national forest. One does have to look at the surrounding land ownership, animal migration patterns and other uses of the land to assess whether there is more value to a small portion of national forest than appears on the map. It was also quite obvious, from the original map Dan sent out, that some of the ‘small parcels’ are actually contiguous with larger parcels and those ‘small parcels’ are what provide access to the larger portion of national forest (note how many parcels cross or touch roads). The next round of land sales will probably put those larger parcels on the block, because they are inaccessible. When you consider management & maintenance expense, be aware that many of these parcels have just been ‘maintained’, at considerable expense to the taxpayers. Many of the parcels marked for sale are the same parcels, which were just thinned (over many objections- including the USFS track record of cutting & running), and which the USFS promised to monitor and use as models for further projects. Is it any wonder that many of us have little faith in the judgment of the USFS.

 

Terry is right that our National Forest is our land for the future. If there were truly a good reason for selling certain parcels to gain other parcels, which would add to the value of the forest, as a whole, then it may make sense to sell certain parcels. This issue is not a matter of forest management, no matter what whitewash the USFS uses; the National Forest does not even get the money.

 

The issue here is whether we should sell our land to fund our schools. What are we leaving for our children? Our schools should be funded by our taxes. If we weren’t spending so much in Iraq or on “congressional pork”, perhaps we could afford to fund our schools. Should we sell the Lincoln memorial to the Chinese to fund school lunches? Or, perhaps we could sell the White House to raise money for Social Security… The point is we shouldn’t be selling off our precious, finite forests to make up for budget shortfalls. This is what I meant by lambasting the proposal.

 

This has not yet been approved by Congress, so write your Senators and Congressmen. If enough voices speak out, we might actually be heard.

 

Vivian