Birding Basics · Field Notes

Colorado Prairie Wildlife Photo Trail
By Nancy Stocker

Ornate Box Turle · Hammer Ranch

Wildlife abounds on the Colorado Prairie Wildlife Photo Trail. White tail and mule deer, bighorn sheep and pronghorn are just the beginning. One rancher takes great pride in his ranch’s swift fox population. Another tells of a bobcat that lives close enough to be glimpsed from the ranch house. For those who look beyond the obvious, there are many varieties of birds, lizards, snakes, fascinating insects and diverse landscapes.

The Photo Trail is a spinoff from the Colorado Birding Trail. Landowners who agreed to participate in the Birding Trail were later asked if they’d like to host wildlife and nature photographers. Those who stepped forward said they had something special on their property. As you can see from the photos, they were right.

Swainson's Hawk · Karval Area

Photographers are welcome to contact Photo Trail landowners directly and make plans for individual, small group or club visits. Workshops to teach photographers more about local wildlife and a photo contest are being planned.

To find out more about the Photo Trail, go to www.prairiewildlife.net. Please sign up for the Alerts list. If you do, you’ll receive occasional emails telling of events on the Photo Trail, including sightings of hard-to-find animals you might want to photograph.

Male Flame Skimmer · Wilson Ranch