We watched this Coopers Hawk move move about from tree to tree ever vigilant for and aware of their potential next meal. Although we did not see the chase we saw the result as squirrel was on this Hawks menu.
Tag: ecosystem
The Creeper returns.
While the nuthatches and chickadees visit the spruce trees in droves each winter we typically see only one or maybe two Brown Creepers busy foraging in the trees. We suspect they are after the seed that the nuthatches have just hidden.
Easy pickings or are they still searching for insects?
American Three Toed Woodpecker: Picoides dorsalis
While out on a hike we followed the sound of a woodpecker pecking in the forest fully expecting to find a Downy Head or Hairy. When we finally spotted the source of the pecking we were thrilled to find an American Three Toed Wooedepcker: Picoides dorsalis working away looking for a meal. Why this species evolved to have only three toes instead of the typical four seems to be a matter for debate however the Cornell Lab of Ornithology suggest that three toes may help deliver stronger blows with the beak while foraging.
pounce
Prowling a meadow for the morning meal and it sure looks like something is on this Coyotes radar screen.
Target in sight and onto the pounce
Looks like this attempt was a failure but it does not stop a coyote from trying. A lesson learned.
Buck!
On a recent walk we were lucky enough to be able spend a fair amount of time observing and watching a very handsome Mule Deer Buck escorting his harem through the forest.
While we hung out and watched the whole group of deer pass through the male stood watch curious yet calm and quiet.
Before the group moved away and into the deeper reaches of the forest the male put his nose to the sky to make sure all were present and accounted for.
A nice surprise and the highlight of the stroll.
Greased lightning
Greased lightning is the nickname we gave to these little rodents as they shot across the desert landscape foiling many of our attempts at photographing them. The White-tailed Antelope Ground Squirrel is a common to abundant desert dweller across the southwestern United States.
Right at home in this desert landscape the White-tailed Antelope is a diurnal mammal that feeds on a fairly omnivorous diet including seed, plants, arthropods and other insects as well as carrion.
They nest in underground burrows dug into the soft desert soil and use the burrow both as protection from predators and too keep cool during periods of extreme heat and cold.
Take a look at those little critters scurrying around the desert and you may just notice some greased lightning aka the White-tailed Antelope Ground Squirrel.
In the Wild
Oh the Squirrel. Our nemesis in the yard pillaging the bird feeders and outsmarting my attempts to keep them off. In the wild away from the city they are (serious hesitation) cute and this guy munching a pine cone as the November sky says time to fatten up brought a smile to our face.
Taking off
A small but mighty American Kestrel taking off in search of another meal on a cold yet sunny winters day. Just as we got close enough to this bird for a photo she took off. Too bad as we really wanted to admire that color in her wing feathers.
Onward and upward
A small Brown Creeper eyes the way onward and upward with the hopes of finding a small grub along the sloping landscape of a cottonwood tree.
Ol’ Brown eyes
As we sat quietly waiting for a group of Waxwings to show up in the berry filled shrubs nearby this fine looking fellow strolled up to within 10 feet or so from us. He seemed not too worried about our presence and went about foraging as he made his way through the forest.
