Hummingbird Watch

The Hummingbird watch for our house has begun. Jenna has done all the research, and we are reliably told they have arrived in our area. No spotting at our feeder yet.

Here is a little info I have discovered for the Hummingbirds we can expect by our feeder.

Four hummingbirds you typically see in Colorado

  • Broad-tailed: These are by far the most common species found along the Front Range. Males have reddish-pink feathers covering their throats and iridescent green feathers along their backs. Females have duller colors. They breed in Northern Colorado mountains and foothills and the Western Slope.
  • Black-chinned:  These typically pass through our area. Adult males are identifiable by iridescent purple feathers bordering black chin feathers. Females have dull metallic green backs. They breed in western Colorado.
  • Rufous: These migrate through the western half of Colorado. Males have distinctive bright orange on their backs and bellies with iridescent red throat feathers. Females have greenish backs and faint rusty patches on flanks.
  • Calliope: The smallest bird in North America at 3 inches in length and weighing about the same as a penny. Males have distinctive look with streaked magenta throats with greenish backs. Females have bronze-green backs. These largely just pass through with possible breeding in far west Colorado.
PhotoCommon Name and Scientific Name

Black-chinned
Archilochus alexandri Photos, size, distribution and features

Rufous
Selasphorus rufus Photos, size, distribution and features

Calliope
Stellula calliope Photos, size, distribution and features

Broad-tailed
Selasphorus platycercus Photos, size, distribution and features

Hummingbird Central Information

Bean Pick Up

The day finally arrived – the Bean Trailer pick up in Salt Lake City, UT.

Jen and I drove out and picked up our tear drop trailer. It was both exciting and a little nerve wracking. Never hauled a trailer before. Turned out not to be too big of a deal. I will still need to practice backing up with the thing.

First camping spot, Utah Lake State Park, was very nice if a little windy the first night. The following morning was clear and beautiful. We were surrounded by mountains on all sides. This park is right in Provo, UT.

Jenna and the Bean in Utah Lake State Park

After a successful night 1, we were off to Moab, UT. Visited Arches National Park and Deadhorse State Park. Both are always a crowd pleaser. Apres Margaritas were a nice touch too.

Deadhorse State Park

Arches National Park

Merry Christmas

December 8, 2012:  Merry Christmas everyone.  We are working on getting the home decorated and prepped for the holidays.  The kids are very excited and helping mom and dad get things put together.  They are all trying to finish up the fall semester strong so that we all can enjoy some good days skiing.  It’s been a little warm and dry for our liking but a big storm is supposed to be coming as I write this, so keep your fingers crossed that Santa delivers a little snow for Christmas.

TV Stardom

February 25, 2010:

Uncle Kevin was on TV recently and I have to say, he couldn’t resist his inner urge to mock the fool doc who stabbed a nurse and committed various other indiscretions (see video) for… wearing a Hawaiian shirt and cowboy boots. Nice dig. Con and Cam loved the clip because of the reference to a scrotum – couldn’t stop giggling.