Wildlife | Tony's Takes Photography

Coyote wakes from a nap, gives a nice closeup

January 21, 2021 by Tony Leave a Comment

One for #ThrowbackThursday from five years ago.

I had spent the morning at Cherry Creek State Park, Colorado with the goal of photographing bald eagles and coyotes. The eagles were cooperative but I was having no luck with the canines until I was getting ready to leave.

This pretty lady was lounging in the snow, enjoying the morning sun. Much to my surprise, something piqued her interest and she actually came closer, affording me this capture.

I have not had much luck finding coyotes here lately, something I really hope to correct soon.

Gorgeous golden eagles on a cold winter’s day

January 18, 2021 by Tony Leave a Comment

Oh how I wish the light was golden like these birds’ heads on this morning a week ago. I happened across my favorite pair of golden eagles, the first sighting of them I have had in months.

Unfortunately, Mother Nature opted to bring in lots of clouds making for very dim lighting and tough shooting conditions, including 14-degree temperatures. Still, it was fun to get to see these massive, gorgeous raptors again, even if the pics are kinda cruddy.

The male was hanging out on one of their favorite perches, a pole on a hillside that allows them to survey their domain. The female was about a quarter mile away, choosing more natural perch as she watched over a field waiting to hunt.

A female golden eagle keeps watch on a wintry day in Colorado. (© Tony's Takes) — A female golden eagle keeps watch on a wintry day in Colorado. (© Tony’s Takes)

A male golden eagle keeps watch on a wintry day in Colorado. (© Tony's Takes) — A male golden eagle keeps watch on a wintry day in Colorado. (© Tony’s Takes)

Big mule deer buck keeping an eye on the ladies

January 17, 2021 by Tony Leave a Comment

Well, this was one big boy and he was making sure no competitors got too close to his ladies. Taken at the end of November just as the rut was wrapping up, the bucks still had those hormones raging and were not ready to go quietly into the winter.

Bald eagle gets its lunch to go

January 16, 2021 by Tony Leave a Comment

With 10 eagles all congregating on a prairie dog colony, you knew the outcome wouldn’t be good for the rodents. One eagle caught one and soon there was a fight for it. This adult knew the rules about dining in due to the virus (heehee) and grabbed the remnants of the meal and took it to eat where it could maintain proper social distancing. 😉

Fish are, of course, a bald eagle’s preferred meal. However, here on the plains of Colorado, there really aren’t many bodies of water and this time of year many are frozen over so wintering bald eagles will eat prairie dogs and rabbits and occasionally other birds like geese and coots.

Big eyes on a beautiful snowy owl

January 16, 2021 by Tony Leave a Comment

Taken almost exactly three years ago today on what was my most recent chance to photograph these amazing visitors from the Arctic.

It isn’t often snowy owls make it as far south as Colorado and this year, unfortunately, none have been spotted. The closest report of one is some 250 miles away in northwestern Nebraska and I won’t go that far for a long, long shot at seeing one.

So, here is a never before shared image of this one that was hanging out in the Denver suburbs in January 2018. On this afternoon, it had perched atop the roof of a house.

For nearly two hours it sat there, mostly napping, occasionally stirring. A dog in a neighboring yard started barking and that got its attention – as you can tell. Seconds later, it would take flight and that was the last I saw of it. Truly a magical encounter and a sighting that I hope to repeat someday.

Fox kits at play

January 15, 2021 by Tony Leave a Comment

I haven’t done a Fox Friday in a while so here you go. 😉

Taken back in May, this red fox den in the Colorado high country provided tons of entertainment, especially the kits. On this morning, the young ones were bundles of energy, running around chasing each other and play fighting.

With five of them, it was hard to keep up with the action and know which ones to follow. It won’t be long now and, with any luck, I will again be photographing fox dens with little ones. I can’t wait!

Fox kits play a game of chase. (© Tony's Takes) — Fox kits play a game of chase. (© Tony’s Takes)

Prairie falcon flyby against a beautiful, blue Colorado sky

January 14, 2021 by Tony Leave a Comment

These guys are fast-movers and not ones to normally let you get a flight shot. Thankfully, this one cooperated a bit recently giving me a few shots as it flew by at Mach 1. 😉

Prairie falcons are quite common on the plains this time of year. I usually see them perched on utility poles, ready to attack some poor, unsuspecting rodent or little bird.

I’ve watched them dive into groups of horned larks and meadowlarks with amazing speed and agility, snatching their victim right out of the air. Way cool to see!

A prairie falcon makes a fast flyby in Colorado. (© Tony's Takes) — A prairie falcon makes a fast flyby in Colorado. (© Tony’s Takes)

“Are you a fish?”

January 13, 2021 by Tony Leave a Comment

Going back to July of 2019 for this image and our trip to this most amazing place and these incredible creatures.

This bear was quite the accomplished fisherman, handily pulling fish after fish out of the river. Here, it looks for another one while still having the remnants of the previous catch on its snout.

It does indeed appear the bear is making eye contact with me / you, however it was quite focused on the school of salmon that lie between it and I (thankfully – haha).

Oh how I yearn for the day when I can return to Alaska and experience the sights, sounds and wildlife of our 49th state again.

Sleeping “beauty” for Turkey Tuesday

January 12, 2021 by Tony Leave a Comment

Perhaps only a face a mother could love? 😉

On New Year’s Day, a quick trip to the grocery store turned into a photo op for me. I take my camera with me just about everywhere and on this day, I was heading to the grocery store so I threw my bag in my truck.

After shopping, I took a detour through an area that has a nice open space and there I found the resident rafter of #turkeys hanging out in the neighborhood. They were very active, hanging out on an office building patio, walking on the sidewalks, giving some great poses, all with a suburban backdrop.

This particular tom was perhaps recovering a bit from too much partying bringing in the new year as he was quite tired.

Absolutely insane detail with my Canon EOSR5 camera and RF 100-500 lens. Taken in the Eastlake area of Thornton, Colorado.

Bride of Frankenstein ducks take to the water

January 11, 2021 by Tony Leave a Comment

I dunno, there is something about female hooded mergansers that just really reminds me of the title character in that 1935 horror flick. That crest on the top of the head really looks like the hairdo of Elsa Lanchester in the film. Yeah, I know, I am a little weird sometimes. They are, though, beautiful birds and lots of fun to watch.