As the year comes to a close, I am creating some video slideshows of my ‘top shots’ covering a variety of subjects. Since it is Freedom Friday, I start with my favorite, the American Bald Eagle. I hope you enjoy it and check back in the coming days for other photo subjects. View full screen for the best effect!
Setting “Bison moon” at sunrise
Technically the full moon this month was called the Full Cold Moon. However, as it set early in the morning Sunday, I happened across this scene. It seems fitting to post it now for Tatanka Thursday. 😉
The sun was just started to climb over the horizon and shed its golden light on the landscape and the creatures below. Above, a cloud layer but not low enough to obscuring the setting moon. In the background, the Rocky Mountains were waiting for their chance to see some sun.
Taken at the Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge.
Red-tailed Hawk gives a menacing look
Red-tailed Hawk gives a menacing look. This guy (or gal) looks a bit mean, eh? It was staking out Union Reservoir in Longmont this past weekend. This capture gives a nice look at its closed, inner eyelid. Many birds have what is called a nictitating membrane. This membrane wipes front to back every few seconds, cleaning the cornea. It is translucent and the hawk can actually see through it.
One of these is not like the others
Can you pick out the oddball goose? 😉
I happened across a big flock of geese in a field in northern Colorado a few days ago. Normally I wouldn’t pay it any attention as the Canada Geese are so common, and indeed, somewhat overwhelming at times. However, there was one goose in particular that didn’t quite fit with the flock – a Snow Goose.
While we do see these here during migration, most don’t hang around long. Apparently this guy decided he liked the company of the Canadians better than his own kind.
Santa Eagle wants to know: Were you naughty or nice?
Judging by the look on his face, it may have been the former. 😉 No matter which it was, I wish you all a very Merry Christmas. May your new year be filled with joy, prosperity and lots of these cool creatures!
Little Screech Owl awakens from its nap
One of two of these cool little owls that I went and visited recently. Both seem to enjoy hanging out in their tree cavity, soaking in the morning sun. Both also usually keep their eyes closed and don’t provide for much excitement. This one though seemed to take umbrage with a dog that walked right under its nest and that was enough to get it to open its eyes – briefly. These little guys are only between 6 and 10 inches tall but have a wingspan that get stretch out to 24 inches.
Bald Eagle pair keeping watch on air traffic
Who knew that an airport weather station could provide such a nice perch? 😉 I happened across this beautiful pair hanging out near Denver International Airport as they sat watching the planes land. Thankfully for them and holiday travelers, there are no weather-related concerns here for at least a few days. Christmas Day and the day after might be a different story though.
Coyote prowling in the grass
I actually had my camera trained on a different subject when I see some motion in the grass.Further investigation found Wile E Coyote on the move, destination unknown. It didn’t linger and didn’t want to give me a clearer view but it was fun to see him.
It is interesting how well Coyotes have adapted to human intrusion on their traditional grounds. Here on the Colorado Front Range, they can routinely be seen anywhere there is open space, even if right next to development. This has,of course, occasionally given rise to conflicts but generally, we exist peacefully with them.
“That’s close enough, Bub!”
So much personality in that face which is why I love Ferruginous Hawks. Lighting was kind of cruddy when I took this pic this past Saturday but the look on this guy’s / gal’s face is priceless. Something tells me it really didn’t appreciate having its picture taken. See more of these cool raptors here.
One year ago: Snowy Owl hanging out on the Colorado plains
A friend reminded me that it was one year ago yesterday that I had photographed this gorgeous visitor from the Arctic. Its chosen location was two hours from my home but that didn’t stop me from hopping in my truck and high-tailing it to the spot.
My time with it was uneventful, very much so. In fact, I only captured a couple of images with its eyes open, this being one of them. The rest of the time it was quite content to close its eyes and soak in that warm, winter sun.
Snowy Owls only appear in Colorado every few years and thus far, none have been seen this season. It may not happen but I will be keeping my eyes peeled and my fingers crossed.