The moods of Sugarhouse

Today I want to write again about the play of light and warmth and cold on the areas of our walk. Each time is so unique and full of beauty.

This is the play of warmth on Parley's Creek as we walk by.

This is our walkway by night...

This is Sugarhouse Park and the Sea Gulls coated in Winter.

This was incredible to see: the water of Parley's Creek reflecting the trees in absolute stillness - then rushing off in small rapids. In the summer there is no reflection at all, we would look deep within searching for fish.

Parley's Creek flowing through Sugarhouse Commons in the winter.

These photos are the sole property of R. Barton, American Image Press. They can be purchased by contacting me at smccarterbarton@gmail.com.

The Geese among us in Sugarhouse

It is almost impossible to describe how beautiful the geese are during our walks through Sugarhouse. We welcome their wildness and wittiness and awesome soaring.

This goose watched our walk from the beginning, through Hidden Hollow, appearing to nest with his mate on a rooftop.

This goose is once again claiming the center rocks of Fairmont Pond...his antics made us label this one "Is this what it means for a President to kick ###?"

This one gave us the perfect pose for a portrait at Fairmont Park,

and this one kept time with the ducks...

These photos are the sole property of R. Barton, American Image Press. They can be purchased by contacting me at smccarterbarton@gmail.com.

Pelicans in Salt Lake City

Today is the day to show some of the great antics of the Pelicans in Fairmont Park.

Floating with such grace and beauty, and then

It's like a Pelican pretending to be a Penguin! Once again, claiming those special rocks in the middle of Fairmont Pond.

This stance could mean almost anything!

These photos are the sole property of R. Barton (Oliver), American Image Press. They may be purchased by contactig me at smccarterbarton@gmail.com.

Days in Fairmont Park, Salt Lake City

Fairmont Park is often the end of our walks through Sugarhouse. Each time we have gone to the pond we have been greeted by different birds, showing their special personalities...

This is our State Bird, floating calmly is the middle of the pond.

Other times, the seagulls and geese would contest each other to claim these rocks. The rocks were always the most favorite place to stand.

Then one day this stranger appeared,

The other birds did not know what to do. We have researched this bird, and we believe it is a Neotropic Cormanant, found mainly in Mexico and South America. It is not a vulture, but an eater of fish and  frogs and small insects. It will work in groups and dive underwater for it's food.
These photos are the sole property of R. Barton (Oliver Barton), American Image Press. They can be purchased by contacting me at smccarterbarton@gmail.com

Ducks in the Sugarhouse 'wild'.

The ducks and geese have always been a large part of our walk through Hidden Hollow and Fairmont Park.

It was a joy watching the baby ducks grow during the summer. They were so very small to begin with...fragile and tranquil in the expanse of water. This duckling was at Fairmont Park.

We watched this duck grow on Parley's Creek, he seemed to always be at the same place, watching.

We call this picture our "psychedelic duck" ,floating in the changing hues and patterns of the creek. I wonder if he felt camouflaged, as the cats do in the grass.

These photos are the sole property of R. Barton (Oliver Barton) American Image Press. They can be purchased by contacting me at smccarterbarton@gmail.com.

Our Friends in Hidden Hollow, Sugarhouse

Many times we walk our trail daily, usually in early morning, as the sun comes up. These are some of our friends, who wait for our coming.

So often they will stay still for the camera, trusting us.

They blend so well with the trees and grasses, they cannot be seen unless they wish to be seen.

The beauty of this cat amazes me. Secure in its world and letting us take a picture.

We do not know why the cats are there, but other fellow trail travelers also love the cats and watch out for them. We love the birds,too, and realize there must be a balance between them.

These photos are the sole property of R. Barton (Oliver Barton), American Image Press. They can be purchased by contacting me at smccarterbarton@gmail.com

The Lights Within Sugarhouse, in our Salt Lake City

We have had some of the most amazing shows of light and energy on our walks...both in the sky above and in the hidden trails alongside. It is humbling to see how nature still flourishes in the midst of the city.

The people of Sugarhouse saved their fireworks last July. Everyone contributed, from residents to businesses... many people had come to Sugarhouse Park for the fireworks every July of their lives, and they would not let them be cancelled.

The trail we follow through Hidden Hollow follows Parley's Creek...This is early morning light shimmering the water.

The full moon in Sugarhouse, shining in full daylight!

These photos are the sole property of R. Barton (Oliver Barton), American Image Press. They can be purchased by  contacting me at smccarterbarton@gmail.com.