Views from our Colorado neighborhood.
It is hard to believe that 2022 is already a week old! We have been thankful for some snowfall this month after a long period of warmer than normal days and severe drought in our area. I do not think I will ever take snow for granted ever again!
Thanks to all who read and commented on my last post about the devastating wildfire that occurred on December 30th, 2021, in Boulder County, Colorado. Report damage from the Marshall Fire is estimated to be at $513 million with 1,084 residential structures destroyed. Two people were reported missing and sadly, one so far, a 69-year-old man's remains were identified, while a 91-year-old woman who lived in the area is still missing and also feared dead. President Biden and his wife toured areas of the fire destruction last week and said the federal government would give much assistance to the area. Please keep all the victims of this destructive wildfire in your prayers!
A herd of deer in my yard
On a happier note, we have enjoyed many visits lately to our backyard by the local wildlife.
So many mule deer!
It is fun to observe the deer that are right outside our windows.
Early one morning last week we were surprised to see two young bobcats prowling in our yard!
A neighbor told us that she saw them once before in our yard and we've read posts on our neighborhood Facebook page of many others seeing them, but this was the first time getting such a good view of them ourselves! They were very fast and were definitely hunting for a small mammal to eat as they were sniffing for a scent all around. The bobcat, also known as the red lynx, is a medium-sized cat native to North America. Their major meals are squirrels, rabbits, rodents, and birds. We have many "resident" wild rabbits and squirrels that we see almost daily, so I was sure that there were scents of both in my yard.
Happily, when I opened my shades the next morning I saw that this bunny survived the bobcat's visit and it was content eating the dried flowers remaining in a flower pot on my patio.
Many people saw these photos of my personal Facebook page and asked me if I was afraid of the bobcats? I have a feeling they would be more frightened of me if I had opened my door and made noise. Since I was safely inside I was not worried. If I ever adopt another cat it would be an "indoor only" cat, as all my other past cats were. A very small dog might be in danger, but I think the bobcat would prefer to hunt a smaller animal and run away from a dog unless it was cornered.
Besides enjoying the wildlife visits we have spent most of the first week of January putting away Christmas decorations, doing snow removal, enjoying some cozy time near our fireplace enjoying a movie on TV, or reading a good book, along with enjoying a cup of herbal tea and the last Christmas cookies. The little joys of life seem all the dearer these days. I hope your New Year has also begun on a good note! Please stay safe and healthy.
I'm linking this post to some of the following blog events:
Mosaic Monday, Blue Monday, Through My Lens Monday, Hearth, and Soul Link Party, You Are the Star Blog Hop, Inspire Me Monday, Home Matters Linky Party, Good Random Fun, Nature Notes, Grand Social, Travel Photos, Travel Tuesday, Happiness Is Homemade, Our World Tuesday, Ruby Tuesday, Tuesday's Treasures, Tuesdays With A Twist, Wordless Wednesday on a Tuesday, Party in Your PJ's, Wordless Wednesday, Oh My Heartsie Girl's Wonderful Wednesday, Wednesday My Corner of the World, Wonderful Wednesday, Signs2, Little Things Thursday, Thankful Thursday, Thursday Encouraging Hearts and Home, Thursday Thinking Out Loud, Thursday Favorite Things, Friendship Fridays, A Morning Cup of Joe, Friday Features Linky Party, Skywatch Friday, Weekend Roundup, Pink Saturday, Saturday Sparks, Saturday Critters, Sunday on Silverado
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46 comments:
Hello, Pat
You do have some great wildlife sightings, right in your yard. The deer and bunny are so cute. I love the Bobcat, what a cool visitor. I would think they spook easily and run from people. Awesome photos. Have a great day and a happy new week!
When we use to live in NC we would see bobcats too. You got some great pictures of them! Happy New Year!
How amazing to see a bobcat...or two so close up. Yes, they are more afraid of us but it still gives you a funny feeling to see them out and about when they are usually nocturnal. I love wildlife and you get to see so much there in the mts! Enjoy your week!
It's to sad, read about the fire and his victims. Hope for a better year.
Happy New Year.
I'm happy to admire your snowy photos from afar!
My niece and her husband were alerted to something in their backyard by their large Labrador retriever. There was a bobcat in their yard. They live north of Dallas, Texas, in a very populated area. Wildlife is reclaiming its original territories. Beautiful photos.
I love your bobcats!! I don't think we bobcats in our neighborhood but we do have coyotes.
I guess if you live there you should keep a close on the pets.
I love the deer that visit you as well.
Pat, the Bobcat photos are beautiful. You deserved this joy and thanks for sharing it. I'm so glad for the snow and wish you and yours continued joy and safety in this New Year.
I was on a blog break but had checked the MF FB page and was -- and am -- so glad you were OK with the fire. Just now I carefully carefully read your excellent post below. And forwarded the link to a couple of people! Geoff used to work in Louisville and we remembered him driving us past where he worked (on our way to somewhere more exciting) -- and of course they used to live in Boulder County (until less than a year ago). While the news would have been devastating and frightening in any case, knowing the area as we do really personalized it. It's a scary world out there, but your practical suggestions for being prepared are so helpful and appreciated. Being prepared allows us to pause needless worry and focus on the everyday joys as you so beautifully share in this post. Thank you!
I enjoyed seeing the Animals Especially the Deer and Rabbits. As for the Snow I would take some in a heartbeat as in Fort Worth, Texas we don't get much and its why I enjoy visiting your Country. As for the Wildfire I will be praying for everyone especially the man's family and the lady who is still missing to be found.
I agree so sad when things like that happens to people
I enjoyed all the photos as always nice post :-)
Have a wildlifetastic week 👍
Wow - lots of cool visitors!
Thanks for sharing at https://image-in-ing.blogspot.com/2022/01/an-update-on-dave.html
You have a wonderful wildlife collection mad einto beautiful mosaics.
Hello Pat - I am sorry to read more of the devastating wildfires, a sad end to the year indeed. I enjoyed seeing some of these photos on your IG and now I am enjoying them again, in a larger format on my PC! Magnificent animals all of them and wonderful to have nature so close.
Have a great week
Wren x
Wow! To see a Bobcat on your yard. That would be very exciting.
Pat, that is amazing you had bobcats on your property. And the fact you were able to capture them in your photos is great! I love the mule deer as well. So glad the bunny survived to see another day! Stay warm and cozy.
Beautiful animals!
I love your bobcats! I've never seen one in the flesh.
How awesome to have such beautiful wildlife on your property!
Happy Monday!
Pat - so sad that there were (likely) two deaths from the fire. Property can be replaced ...
How wonderful that you have so many mule deer in your neighborhood. We only see white-tail deer. And the bobcats are truly amazing!!! We have seen them twice in Montana, but never anywhere close to our property! Thanks for linking to Mosaic Monday!
Sounds like you've had a lovely start to the New Year. Great photos of the deer and the bobcat.
I was very happy to see that bunny AFTER the bobcat, and delighted that he or she survived. I that continues for the season. They are my favorites. I'd be a little worried about that bobcat too, although it's comforting to know that they scare a little more easily than I thought.
I'm so glad you and your family are safe after the recent fires. It's so scary. I hope that you get loads of snow to give some respite over the winter.
I love to watch the wildlife in my yard safely from the windows too. Beautiful photos and thanks for sharing. So sorry to hear about the fires in the state. #HomeMattersParty
...just enough snow to add some magic.
I enjoyed your photographs, lovely visitors to your yard.
All the best Jan
You get great visitors. Those Bobcats are really amazing and my favorite of your surprise visitors for sure. Amazing. Great photos!
You get great visitors. Those Bobcats are really amazing and my favorite of your surprise visitors for sure. Amazing. Great photos!
Pat, Thanks for sharing these deer shots and especially the bobcat. Amazing to see them up close. Have a great week! hMM
Wow! Bobcats :o And so close.
Such devastation in Colorado. In BC and Washington State we get our fires mostly in the summer. I am always thankful for the snow in the high country so we have enough water to make it through the hot months, but I grew up in Southern California and never learned to drive in ice and snow so it scares me. - Margy
These are so beautiful views and critters. Lovely clicks!
Beautiful scenery.
So cool that you get wildlife like this right in your backyard!! Love the bobcat photos!
Beautiful pictures! Thank you for sharing!
I enjoy seeing the wildlife in your backyard. Surprised to see the bobcat! Wow! We have them around our farm and see "signs" of them, but don't usually capture a full on sighting. Pretty cool!! Thanks for linking up.
Those bobcats are awesome to see. It's so sad about the fires.
Thanks for sharing your link at My Corner of the World this week!
Beautiful photos. We have bobcats here in Tennessee, but I have only seen one when working at a garden site of an old mansion. I always found Denver to be a lovely place to visit when we lived in Colorado Springs. I remember the blizzards with not much fondness, but otherwise Colorado was a great place to enjoy the outdoors and wildlife.
Hello Pat,
Your snow scenes look beautiful. It is always nice to see the sun come out after a snow day. The deer are so pretty, they must feel very safe in your yard. I can not imagine having a Bobcat as a back yard critter, awesome photos and sighting. Great photos and mosaics! Thank you for linking up and sharing your post. Take care, have a happy weekend! PS, thank you for leaving me a comment.
It must be nice to see wildlife visit your yard. Those bobcats are beautiful and the deer are so pretty. Thanks for sharing and have a nice weekend.
Beautiful shots! Love the bobcat’s prowl.
I love to see your shots, Pat, they are gorgeous! So sorry to hear about the wildfires. 😞
I know you must enjoy those cute little critters from the comfort of your home with those fabulous dishes you prepare!! I love seeing the yummies you prepare and share on Facebook!
We have been light on snow here in western NY although a storm is moving in...I am glad you have some as when we don't, we go into a drought also but not as bad as yours...Michelle
Beautiful photos, especially of the bobcats! -Marci @ Stone Cottage Adventures
What beautiful photos! How neat to see a bobcat in the backyard. I love spotting wildlife!
sorry to hear about the wildfires. We hear about them in Sweden as well. :(
You have some nice wildlife in yout garden. The deers are beautiful and the bobcats....stunning. What a sight. :)
Stunning wildlife photos as always, Pat - especially of that Bobcat!
How blessed you are to have God's creatures visit you daily in your own back yard! Congrats for being one of our Featured Friends at this week's Friendship Friday Blog Hop at Create With Joy! :-)
That's incredible that you get bobcats in your yard. They are beautiful.
Oh, I would love to see a bobcat, Pat! You got some great photos.
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