Fishing on the Net
By Bonnie Nelson
Spring is Coming! Walk Our Trail!
We are fortunate to have the Fountain Creek Nature Center so close by. I have spent many hours walking the trails and watching the local wildlife. I have seen blue herons, muskrats, beaver, deer, fox and many varieties of birds. The Nature Center is sheltered from the highways. This gives our wildlife a more secure place to live. You can walk through marsh areas, and hear the carp slapping their tails against the cattails. Multi-colored ducks swim the stream fed ponds. Just last week I saw a muskrat swimming across one of the ponds, and local herd of deer feeding in the trees.
Springtime brings the blooming of the milkweed. One of the field at the Fountain Creek Nature Center is filled with milkweed that monarch butterflies feed on. It is a sight to behold. You can even grow a butterfly garden to attract these beautiful insects.
As you get out this Spring take a walk in our nature center.
You can also take advantage of the several workshops and nature adventures that the Center offers (http:// adm.elpasoco.com/Parks/Fountain_Creek_Nature_Center.htm).
Follow these simple principles of wildlife watching.
ï Never approach an animal too closely. Each species has different tolerance levels for interaction with humans.
ï As you watch animals, look for signs of agitation, aggressive behavior, warning calls or distraction techniques. If you see such signs, you're too close, back away slowly and quietly. Always keep a low profile.
ï If you come upon a young animal or eggs, whatever you do -- DO NOT TOUCH THEM! The parent may reject the baby if it smells human odors on its young or in the nest.
ï Never feed or bait wildlife to lure them closer. Many species can be dangerous if surprised, fed, or controlled, not to mention the fact that some species carry deadly diseases such as hanta virus, rabies, or bubonic plague.
Wildlife watching can be an exciting, lifelong pastime. The increasing threat to natural habitat makes it ever more important to use common sense. Get out and enjoy nature (http://www.coloradoguide.com/wildlife/).
Bonnie Nelson is a freelance writer living in Fountain, CO. If you have any comments or questions email her at waltbon@comcast.net.
CONTACT THE WRITER • WALTBON@COMCAST.nET
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