Though wetlands and riparian areas comprise only 2% of Colorado, they're considered the most ecologically and biologically diverse in the state
Bald eagles attain adult plumage in about 5 years, which signals readiness to mate
At least 408 birds live in the Colorado Front Range at some point in their lifecycle, many of which pass through the Reservoir area
Coyotes play an important role in the Reservoir ecosystem, feeding on prairie dogs, rabbit and rodents
Tall grass provides cover from aerial predators for voles, rabbits and even rattlesnakes
Kestrels are North America's smallest falcon, distinguished by their colorful plummage and dark 'mustaches'
Cottonwoods are related to poplars and aspen, with which they share the same shaking, shimmering leaves
Intact foothills grasslands exist in small pockets along mountain-front areas
Canada Geese generally practice 'assortive mating', where both sexes tend to choose mates of similar size
The reservoir provides glimpes of the high peaks behind the foothills
View of the Flatirons on an early winter morning along the east edge of Coot Lake
Birds of the genus Buteo are found in the Americas, Asia, Africa and Europe, but not Austrailia
Sunflowers bloom relatively late compared to others at the reservoir, and hang on through early September
Bulls snakes can grow over 6' long, and hiss in a manner meant to sound like a rattlesnake
Prairie dogs are equally active in the winter, and are the primary food source for coyotes and raptors
Views to the southwest of Boulder's Front Range
Adjacent to the foothills of Boulder, wildlife at the reservoir includes fox, coyote, bear and the occasional cougar
A partially frozen Boulder Reservoir
Covered in snow, the reservoir provides an excellent destination for snowshoeing and x-country skiing
Bear Peak, The Flatirons and Green Mountain (Left to Right) - all visible from the Boulder Reservoir
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