Catch of the Day

A Red-Tailed Hawk

 

I haven't seen any "different" or unusual birds

around here for quite some time.

 

But today, I saw a lot of activity

at the top of a broken-off tree in the valley.

 

This Red-Tailed Hawk had apparently

made his "catch of the day".

 

 

After I went outside to get his picture,

he sat pretty still for quite a while.

 

I guess he was watching me too.

Of course, when I got tired of waiting

and picked up the camera to go inside,

he flew off carrying his prize.

 

It would have made a great picture.

I guess it is kind of like

the "big fish" that got away.



Deer Passage

Recently, every afternoon around 3:30 pm or so,

three young deer take a stroll through our yard. 

 

 

 

They still have their spots,

but obviously their mom

has sent them off on their own.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Seeing them is always a thrill.

 

Their presence, to me, is a

special gift from God.

 

 

Something New

Several days ago, I saw this little bird outside my window.  It was smaller than the usual Titmouse and Nuthatches that I usually see.  I did get a couple of pictures before it flew away.  Today I noticed the pictures on my camera and am trying to decide what kind of bird it is.  Maybe it is a female or non-breeding male Blue-gray Gnatcatcher.

Does anyone have any ideas?

 

Checking Out a New Feeder

This flower is a little different,

and it's all mine!!

 

Oh, oh....Here comes company.

 

 

Found a peanut...Found a peanut!

 

 

Have a Wonderful Day!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



A Barred Owl

I saw something on a branch in the woods today.

It was about the color of the squirrels,

but seemed to big for a squirrel.

 

 

 

I ran in for my camera,

which when zoomed in is better than binoculars.

And what do you know,

that brown, fuzzy ball had "eyes."

 

 

Isn't he awesome!

I hear owls often talking back and forth,

but the last time I saw one like him

was about 45 years ago,

just shortly after we moved into our house.

 

 

This guy seemed a bit tired.

Maybe he was up too late last night.

However, I did notice

from the branch he was sitting on

he had a clear view of all my bird feeders on

both of my porches as well as

all the little chipmunks

that run around underneath them.

 

It was interesting to watch how he could

swivel his head around without moving

the rest of his body.

 

 



He can look backwards

while his body is still sitting forwards.

 

He finally did seem to look my way,

 

 

 

but wasn't concerned enough

to not doze off once again,

or maybe he was watching something

down below him.

 

 

 

Here is a short video.  I finally made some noise

so he would look towards me.

 

 

The best picture though, I missed.

I had called my husband out to see him.

After a while he jumped up to the

other side of the branch,

took one long look over his shoulder at us,

and flew off to a higher tree.

 

I hope I don't have to wait

another 45 years to see

a Barred Owl once again.