While some of these big birds are around year-round, we most often see them during the warmer months. This past Sunday, there were a number of them gathered around a local pond, giving me some cool captures. Here, one, seemingly unaware of (or uncaring about) my presence, flies in and makes a landing. With their huge wings and long necks, these birds remind me of the long-extinct pterodactyl.
Signs of spring as pelicans return to the Colorado plains
You know the changing of the seasons is upon us when you see these massive birds arrive. I figured it would be any day now as it is usually mid-March when I first see them. Yesterday, I found about 10 of them at our county fairgrounds. They must have been tired from their migration as they didn’t do a whole lot of anything. Most just sat and relaxed. These four did, briefly, go for a swim but were a good ways away. Certainly there will be many more photo opportunities with them in the coming months.
Video: Bald eagles get down and dirty
Ah yes, love was in the air on this cold morning. ? Long shots and heavily cropped but fun to see.
Great horned owl on a return flight to its home
Earlier this week you saw mama from this spot. Here is a good look at dad.
I have been watching this nest for years now and this year, interestingly enough, the male is far more active during the day than in the past. This has afforded me a few opportunities to get flight shots, something which does not normally happen often.
On this occasion, he was moving from a distant stand of trees to the one where the nest is. He took a bit of a roundabout route making this a long shot and requiring a heavy crop but it came out pretty nicely.
Cool Cooper’s hawk riding out a Colorado snowstorm
Snow day! Yesterday was my first in three years. The morning was rough enough that I didn’t feel I should venture out. I was going stir crazy in the afternoon though and conditions seemed to be improving so I went for a quick drive.
The critters seemed to be hunkered down in the storm as I wasn’t having much luck. I did, however, come across this cool Cooper’s hawk as it waited out the storm. While these guys are actually quite common, they aren’t commonly seen, preferring to stay out of sight. Getting a chance to photograph one of them as a result is always kind of fun for me.
Gorgeous golden eagle strikes a pose up close
As I like to say, that’s a stunner! My friend and I happened across this massive raptor this past weekend as it sat on a pole, surveying the Great Plains. It was quite comfortable with our presence and allowed us to get some pretty danged cool portraits.
This is pretty heavily cropped but it held up well and showcases that golden mane and beautiful plumage. Also of note is that in the instant this picture was taken, it closed it nictitating membrane. Basically an inner eyelid, This membrane wipes front to back every few seconds, cleaning the cornea. It is translucent and the eagle can actually see through it. It gives it kind of a cool look I think.
Elk bull gives a nod to the ladies
Going back to September in Rocky Mountain National Park. The elk rut was in full swing with hormones raging and the boys rounding up the girls. Despite his impressive stature, this handsome fellow was on the outside looking in however. A bigger bull had rounded up a nice harem of a dozen or so cows. This guy was doing his best to woo the ladies away, even going so far as to put some foliage on his head to show how cool he was, but was having no luck. He did, however, give me some fun poses, including this one.
Mountain goat surveys all below and beyond
With warmer weather slowly starting to arrive, my mind can’t help but wander and look forward to the scenes and critters to come this summer. The mountain goats are always one of the highlights. Somehow, these rugged creatures thrive at the high altitudes, enduring some of the harshest conditions possible in Colorado. Summer undoubtedly gives them a welcome break. Here, one stands tall and proud, looking out over all that is below its 14,000 foot home on July 2nd of last year.
Mama owl hunkered down in her nest
Yesterday I checked on one of my local great horned owl nests for the first time in a couple of weeks. On my previous visit she had not yet laid eggs and wasn’t incubating. I was hoping this time that would have changed and, indeed, it has. She is now in there, well-hidden as usual. Dad was nearby, keeping watch, and gave me some nice shots as well but seeing her was the most important part of my visit.
Great horned owls have an incubation period of 30 to 37 days so if all goes well, in a few weeks there will likely be little owlets in there with her.
Suburban bald eagle giving ‘the stare’
There are quite a few folks in Thornton, Colorado that have pics of this pretty lady from today. It was hanging out at Trail Winds Recreation Center this morning, people-watching the soccer game, the dog park, walkers and bikers.
My friend and I spotted as we were heading to photograph some different creatures and of course had to check it out. She was quite relaxed despite the fact there was quite a bit of activity. She hung out for at least a couple of hours, certainly longer than we were willing to wait for her to do more than sit and look regal. 😉
I certainly get plenty of action-packed shots of these guys but it is always cool to see one hanging out in suburbia, tolerant of the bipedal creatures below.