This Little Known Natural Oasis Is Hiding In Denver...And You're Going To Love It
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R. Phillips
Author
The Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge is an amazing 15,000-acre space of woods, wetlands, and prairies that will impress even the most meager wildlife lover. The chance to see bald eagles, bison, coyotes, and 330 other species of animals in their natural habitat is a truly magical, once-in-a-lifetime experience. You’re going to want to visit this natural oasis in Denver time and time again!
Wouldn't you love to see a bison calf and his buddies roaming the refuge with the Rockies as the backdrop?
Or perhaps you'd fancy a majestic Swainson's hawk taking off to peruse the landscape for prey?
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Dawn at the refuge is an especially peaceful time to explore and reflect.
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According to the USFWS: Bald eagles paved the way for the establishment of Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge. In the 1980s, bald eagles were found roosting around the lakes. As they were considered an endangered species at the time, this discovery prompted the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to become involved in managing the land. Then in 1992, Congress designated the site as a national wildlife refuge.
These burrowing owls who live underground in deserted prairie dog holes are pretty darn adorable.
And Lake Ladora at the golden hour of dawn is unbelievably serene...
...as is this lovely lone tree enjoying the sublime sunrise.
This fantastic shot by Bob Brown of a hummingbird hovering over and enjoying a bee plant, won a photo contest in 2013.
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I may have just found my new favorite sunrise meditation locale.
Be alert while you're at the refuge, because you never know what could be lurking in the brush...
...or popping out of an underground home. (Fun Fact from USFWS: Prairie dogs greet one another and show affection by 'kissing' - touching mouths and sometimes pressing their tongues together.)
And the refuge is fabulous during any season! In the fall you may see a lovely cleome...
...or a grand reflection on Lake Mary...
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...or waterfowl enjoying a float...
...or two bucks sparring during the rut.
And don't be deterred in the winter, when you can see the magnificent animals like this coyote gain their winter coats.
And where else can you see a sunrise like this!?
Do you know of another natural oasis in Denver that is truly magical and one we MUST visit? Let us know your secrets in the comments!
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