The View at 9,000 feet – Fall 2024
Fall at 9,000 feet elevation in the Colorado mountains is a beautiful time to see golden Aspen trees, a few remaining flowers and watch the birds.
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Mountain Forests
Colorado Mountain Forests – mostly pine and aspen – in the Colorado mountains at elevations 5,500 – 9,000 feet
Wise and Wonderful Great Horned Owls
Great Horned Owls are surprisingly hard to find given that they are so large. Their camouflage and silent flights in the twilight keep them hidden.
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Squirrels in our Backyards
Fox Squirrels are common in the Willow Spring Open Space and in backyards nearby, despite not being native to this area.
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Charming American Goldfinches
American Goldfinches are charming birds that resemble canaries. Males are bright yellow with black caps and black wings making them easy to spot.
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Narrowleaf Cottonwood Trees
The Narrowleaf Cottonwood tree is found in the Denver metro area and also can be seen along the river and creek banks up into the mountains. It is found along stream and river beds and floodplains where it can get the regular moisture and periodic flooding that it needs. If you ever see a tree
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Quaking Aspen trees
Quaking Aspen Trees are found in the mountains in groves. They are known for their display of gold leaves in the fall.
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Wild Licorice Shrub
The Wild Licorice shrub is about 4 feet tall and grows in patches. It is most often found in late summer through winter when you are discover that you have many Velcro-like seed pods stuck to your clothing after walking along a path.
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Cattails
Cattails are plants with long flat leaves that are found in marshy areas around ponds. In this area, there are two main types: Broadleaf cattail and Narrowleaf cattail.
Beavers at Willow Spring Open Space!
When greeting people in the open space, most aren’t very excited to talk about plants, and some are excited about birds, but nearly everyone is excited to talk about the larger mammals that can be found there. These days, in the summer of 2021, the talk is all about beavers! A Bit about Beavers The
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Blue Mustard flowers
Blue Mustard plants are annual herbs that are among the earliest blooms in the Willow Spring Open Space. Their tiny flowers are purple and in the shape of a cross.
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