BACK IN THE OLD DAYS when the enemies of Democracy were Nazi Fascists and Russian Commies, not home-grown extremists, Rocky Mountain Arsenal produced some of the nastiest chemical weapons on the planet—not that we would actually use them! Well, maybe a little napalm.
Rocky Mountain Arsenal In the Old Cold War Days
Mustard Gas—a Helluva Way to Go!
When the nation finally came to its senses—temporarily, at least—the Arsenal’s 20,000 acres were declared a Superfund site and the herculean task of clean-up began. Forty years later and after a thorough scrubbing, RMANWR, Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Reserve, is a haven for wildlife including Bald Eagles, a healthy herd of American Bison—even Pronghorn and Elk. But I wouldn’t drink the water!!
Rocky Mountain Arsenal Pronghorn
Western Osprey
Lark Bunting, one of hundreds sighted
Friends Tim and Candace are among the leading Colorado birders and the “Arsenal” is one of their go-to birding locations—we were ready and willing to go there, too. With Candace’s running commentary on water levels, what bird is/was once here/there and decisions at every crossroad, we scoured the Arsenal for a couple of hours. Highlights were a beautiful Western Osprey, a rarely seen Peregrin Falcon and a flock of Lark Buntings—possibly two—with more than 100 individuals.
Bullock's Oriole, Barr Lake State Park
Yellow Warbler, Barr Lake State Park
Western Grebe's Mating Ritual
We also went with Tim and Candace to Barr Lake State Park, a more pristine Front Range hotspot for birding. Besides the resident Bald Eagles and White Pelicans, all manner of waterfowl and songbirds congregate here—my favorites are the Orioles, both Bullock's and Orchard. We were treated to a rare display by a pair of Western Grebes who mirrored each other in part of their mating ritual. Too bad we didn’t get to see their paired run across the water, though.
