Play in the Wind
Windy Saddle Park is named for the nearly constant wind currents that can be felt blowing through the foothills. Winds traveling across the plains are forced upward when they hit the Rocky Mountains, and as the air rises, it has enough force to lift objects into the sky.
Many large birds use these currents to conserve energy. Being lifted into the sky by this wind, called a thermal, is much easier than flapping wings that can span eight feet from tip to tip. Using thermals saves energy and make it easy for birds to travel long distances. The turkey vulture is an expert at utilizing these thermals and are often seen soaring over this area, rarely flapping their wings.
Humans now use the same lifting air currents to play in the wind. Hang gliders and paragliders can often be seen here soaring with the raptors, high above the foothills.
Caption
When air moving across the plains hits these mountains, it is forced upward, causing strong updrafts that carry birds and enable humans to feel the wonder of flight.
Marker is on Lariat Loop Road.
Courtesy hmdb.org
