Please meet Mrs. Claus of Boulder County and Donner. Michelle Grimes is a Professional Mrs. Santa Claus! Donner is a Method Actor Gone Overboard In His Role Michelle Grimes is a professional Mrs. Claus. Having been trained by the best of the Claus trainers, and adding her decades of acting and teaching experience, she brings a special magic to holiday parties. While some youngsters are scared by Mr. Santa Claus, Mrs. Claus exudes friendship and love. Without some of the limitations placed on the classic Mr. Claus appearances, Mrs. Claus can spend time with each child, leaving the youngsters with... Read More

Boulderites love our dogs! Good news is you don’t have to leave your pup behind on your next adventure!! Just remember, Boulder County requires that dogs have a ‘voice and sight’ control tag to go off-leash. Here is our list of the top 3 dog-friendly hikes: Royal Arch Trail – This moderate 3 mile out-and-back trail will provide you with good views and a nice incline to wear out your dog! Expect crowds during peak times though. First and Second Flatirons Loop – This loop is a antastic choice, as it is under 3 miles, provides nearly 1500 ft of vertical gain, and is known for its beautiful... Read More

Boulder‘s Rufous-sided Towhee, now more commonly known as the Eastern Towhee (Pipilo erythrophthalmus), is a striking bird species within the American sparrow family (Passerellidae). This bird is particularly noted for its unique appearance and melodious song, making it a fascinating subject of study for ornithologists and bird watchers alike. How many images of this sparrow-family beauty are enough? Easy! Any number of pics of this fantastic fantasy feathered friend is not enough. I have seen countless numbers over many years, in the back yard. We have at least one family who have taken... Read More

When Zamboni, our loved Boulder cat, was seven years old, we found her barely responsive laying on a landing of the main stairway. Her breath had a sweet odor. She was, we learned, diabetic. We found her in a state of diabetic ketoacidosis. Diabetic Ketoacidosis, or DKA is a result of uncontrolled diabetes, can be fatal, and symptoms include the “sicky sweet odor.”  How much is your loved pet dog, cat, turtle or bird worth? Do you really want to answer that? Is it even possible to answer it? Is the answer the same when your pet is healthy compared to the answer when your pet is seriously... Read More

As our Boulder summer heat sets in, it’s important to pay special attention to the hydration and well-being of our furry friends. Dogs, like humans, are susceptible to heat-related illnesses, and it’s crucial to take proactive measures to ensure their safety and health during the hot months. This article will provide valuable insights into how you can keep your dog safe and healthy by prioritizing hydration in the summer heat. The Importance of Water for Dogs Water is essential for all living beings, and dogs are no exception. In the summer heat, dogs are at a higher risk of dehydration... Read More

  You talkin’ to me? You talkin’ to me?  Robert De Niro, Taxi Driver When I take pictures of Boulder Birds my goal is to capture feeling. I want emotion in the pictures. I want to pull the viewer into the picture, to engage the viewer with the picture. Most often I do this by catching the bird staring back at me. This is the opposite of what so many choose as a picture. It is far more typical of animal pictures including bird shots for the photographer to do the opposite. I want the pictures and the birds to literally speak to me. That’s easier said than done, since the... Read More

From Boulder, this is Lensworth At Large spreading misinformation about the four corners and seven edges of the earth. Today I’d like to chat about our abundance of cotton tail rabbits and the real risk that they present to the human population of Boulder. Even my Mother was afraid of rabbits. On the other hand she was afraid of most things! I know the names of every disease, bug, parasite, and rash carried by every local animal due to her repeated lectures and warnings. Although commonly mistaken for cows, this confusion is unnecessary. Bunnies do not have udders with teats, and cows don’t... Read More

Boulder is a very short distance up the road from the Denver Zoo. Whether you want to watch animal behavior or just see the strangest of animals, this is the place is this is the week. Happily it is just one of the marvelous weeks we in Boulder call “normal.” Can’t I Get Some Privacy In My Bath???   Lorikeets Are Not Uncommon in Zoos, And Are Always COOL Looking! This Bird Has Just Bathed. Or Taken A Hot Tub Soak.   I Am SO Cute After A Bath! Lorikeets, vibrant members of the parrot family, are known for their striking, colorful plumage and playful personalities.... Read More

Feline Elegance on the Catwalk Strutting down the runway of life with unparalleled grace and a wardrobe that would make any fashionista purr with envy, Petunia Adams is not just any feline—she’s Boulder’s next top model and our adored “Cat of the Week.” From Foster Care to Forever Home Petunia’s rise to fame began in the cozy confines of Payton Adams’ heart and home. Payton, a former cat foster parent, has a history of caring for cats with compelling backstories, from Mauna Kea with her musical namesake to Don Juan, the sneezing romantic. Yet, it was Petunia who stole the show and... Read More

  I think Boulder‘s beakless Flicker has returned! This survival wonder is an inspiration to all of us. The Orange-shafted Flicker, often considered a variant or a result of hybridization between the  https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Northern_Flicker/overview (Colaptes auratus cafer) and the Yellow-shafted Flicker (Colaptes auratus auratus), showcases the fascinating diversity within the woodpecker family. These birds, part of the larger group known as Northern Flickers, exhibit characteristics that are somewhat intermediate between their two parent subspecies, displaying the rich... Read More