Fledglings

On May 6, 2018May 4, 2018 By Mike and Christy52 Comments

(Multiple Photos)
Well it had to happen. These two Great Horned Owl youngsters finally left the comfort of their nest cavity in an old Cottonwood tree. We first spotted a single young owl on this branch but just as we got out the camera a second flew down and joined the first. The second owl waddled around on the branch and got all cozy with their sibling who seemed a bit annoyed at having to share their perch.

A moment latter the owl in front took a leap of faith, with eyes fully closed, and landed clumsily on the perch below.

I am not sure how adult owls handle it but watching fledgling owls learn to fly is sure a nerve wracking experience for me.

Snowy Muzzle

On May 4, 2018 By Mike and Christy14 Comments

This good looking guy with a bit of a snowy muzzle was photographed earlier this year. I am sure the grasslands where he roams are greening up, and even though he looked quite happy this snowy day, I bet he is happier now that spring has arrived.

Spring surprise

On May 3, 2018 By Mike and Christy14 Comments

Within a day or so of the ice melting off this small pond a spring surprise occurred.

Ruffed Grouse

On May 2, 2018April 23, 2018 By Mike and Christy14 Comments

A female ruffed Grouse hanging out in a lodgepole pine along the trail as we skied on down the trail.

Specimen Creek in Yellowstone NP.

On a rainy afternoon

On May 1, 2018April 23, 2018 By Mike and Christy6 Comments

A male Red Winged Blackbird and a female Yellowheaded Blackbird making the most of a late afternoon April shower and definitely not singing in the rain.

Puffed Out

On April 29, 2018April 23, 2018 By Mike and Christy24 Comments

All puffed out and waiting for the sun to warm things up before hitting the lake to collect bugs.

There were literally billions, well OK, there were a boat load of swallows buzzing around the lakes in North Park last weekend collecting bugs off the top of the water. We went out early one morning to catch the action but it was cold and most of the swallows were hunkered down and puffed out trying to keep warm and the sun to come out.

Who-weeee-who

On April 28, 2018April 23, 2018 By Mike and Christy44 Comments

It is always a nice when the Mourning Doves have returned to the neighborhood and such a pleasant sound to hear while on a early morning walk. I wonder what that small iridescent patch of feathers is for?

Through it all

On April 27, 2018April 23, 2018 By Mike and Christy12 Comments

This spring the Dark Eyed Junco have been abundant. Singing from the junipers and shrubs which line the fields close by. They have bee around rain or shine and through wind and snow.

It is nice to have them around.

https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Dark-eyed_Junco/overview

Blue on blue

On April 26, 2018April 23, 2018 By Mike and ChristyLeave a comment

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A Great Blue Heron perched on blue rocks looks for that afternoon meal.

Transformers

On April 25, 2018April 23, 2018 By Mike and Christy6 Comments

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A magnificent Blad Eagle taking a chance and playing with electricity.

Although power poles present a wonderful perch from which to hunt they also come with risks. Electrocution of raptors has increased as our construction of infrastructure has increased and with a little thought and consideration can be reduced.

Raptor interactions with power lines and power poles can be reduced and the following article suggestion way to do so might interest you.

https://www.eagles.org/take-action/avian-friendly-power-lines/

nature has no boss

Tag: wildlife