Xploring The Nature

What a difference the sun makes on photos, the above was taken in same time frame as those below but had the sun shining.
Gray Flycatchers nest in the pinyon juniper habitat in Red Canyon Park which is just 8 miles north of Canon City.
I saw several of these during two trips up there this past week. SeEtta

Another species that nests in the pinyon-juniper and oak habitat found in Red Canyon Park. SeEtta

I found this Red-breasted Nuthatch, and a friend, in Red Canyon Park north of Canon City. The park is in pinyon-juniper habitat and the green in the background is from the juniper trees the bird was feeding in. SeEtta

I am trying to get into posting sightings again. Have been birding but the toll of chemo followed by radiation has reduced by energy level and stamina but slowly regaining some. I found this male Williamson's Sapsucker in Red Canyon Park just north of Canon City two days ago. This species does not spend either summers or winters in the pinyon juniper habitat of this park but I have found a lot of sapsucker holes in trees and found one during spring migration. I believe this sapsucker stopped over to feed on his migration. Unfortunately I could not get close to this large pinyon tree and he stayed in the shadows. SeEtta

This bright orange and black insect is a Harlequin Bug which is usually thought of as a pest for a variety of food crops. However I found out it loves sunflower plants and sunflower plants are often recommended as a 'trap' crop to lure them away from food crops. I found this Harlequin Bug on this sunflower plant leaf in Red Canyon Park north of Canon City. I saw at least 2 of these on this sunflower plant but since this is a banner year for sunflowers in my area they should not present a significant problem. SeEtta