Grosbeaks, Buntings and Bears.....oh my. Chatfield State Park, Douglas CO

[Matt Crooks]

I made my regular quick trip to Chatfield this morning to see if I could find anything new and exciting.  My favorite area is near Plum Creek because there are rarely any other people around.  I spotted a blue grosbeak, a lazuli bunting (near deer creek inlet on the way in) and the usual assorted flycatchers.

As I was catching some good shots of the Eastern Phoebes while standing on the footbridge over Plum Creek, kind of zoning out to the sound of Chats, and Wrens.  I noticed some movement on the bridge no more than 20 ft from me.  To my surprise, it was a black bear.  He was literally on the bridge with me by the time a finally noticed him coming toward me.  He looked like a youngster, but fortunately not so young as to have momma next to him.  A was able to get some good photos before I backed away and let him have at it.

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Eastern Phoebes are cool and all...but not cool enough to fight him for the prime spot on the bridge.  Since it was only almost noon, my teenage son who usually joins me was still sleeping.  Must be rough.

Matt Crooks   Littleton, CO

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