COLORADO CURRENTLY RANKS # 15 IN THE COUNTRY with 5500 cases of coronavirus cases and 180 fatalities. We suspect that the relatively high number of infections stems from the ski season before preventive measures were implemented. New Zealand, from whence we “escaped,” has fewer than 1000 cases and only a single death. Second-guessing our decision to leave does no good — they are forcing foreigners to return home now. The good news is that "engaging in an outdoor activity" is considered an Essential Activity in Colorado. That surely includes hiking and birding.
Bufflehead
Ubitquitous Canada Goose
American Coot
Snow-covered Front Range
We were being "essentially active" on Monday at Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge. Formerly a military storage facility for deadly nerve gas and such, the Arsenal is now a haven for deer, bison, prarie dogs, endangered black-footed ferrets and a host of Denver birders — six feet apart, please. Pick the right vantage point and you can see the entire snow-capped Front Range from Pike's Peak in the South to Long's Peak in the North.
