The “Florissant flower,” Florissantia speirii, is another iconic fossil from the Florissant Formation. Although more common in the Green River Formation and elsewhere, F. speirii was first described here at the fossil beds. Continue Reading →
Friday night’s flammulated owl (“flam”) seminar, taught by Colorado College biology professor Brian D. Linkhart, was a success. This seminar provided an unusual opportunity for the participants to see active and unusually in-depth scientific research, as well as the chance to see a shy and unusual species up close. Continue Reading →
The bright red-orange and scarlet blooms of the scarlet paintbrush (Castilleja mineata, also called great red paintbrush, giant red paintbrush, and Indian paintbrush) are a common sight in the grasslands of Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument from about May through September. Continue Reading →
Palaeovespa florissantia, one of the most iconic Florissant fossils, was a paper wasp related to living yellowjackets and hornets. Palaeovespa was described in 1906 by University of Colorado professor T.D.A. Cockerell (learn more), a naturalist with wide-ranging interests. A stylized image of Palaeovespa decorates the sign at the entrance of the Visitor Center parking lot, and Palaeovespa is also part of the Friends logo. Continue Reading →
At this time of year you may hear the loud cheeping of baby mountain bluebirds (Sialia currucoides) from a nest near the administration building, or catch sight of the bright blue plumage of the male. This is a great time of the year to observe mountain bluebirds, as the adults are extremely active hunting insects to feed their constantly-hungry young. Keep your eyes open for that flash of blue around the Visitor Center and on the trails! Continue Reading →