This was a first for me getting pictures of either of these creatures. I stopped by a local pond Friday and saw something swimming in the water. Along came a Muskrat with the crayfish, a nice little meal for it I am sure. It was mid-afternoon so light was really harsh but it was fun to see and I am glad to have gotten pics of them.
Snowy Egret in flight
I made a quick stop on my way home yesterday at the Adams County, Colorado Fairgrounds. The mid-afternoon light was harsh so I wasn’t expecting much out of my pictures but there was a lot of bird activity so I really wanted to check it out.
I’ve been using my Canon 6D Mark II more and more and continue to be impressed with its capability. It handled the bright light exceedingly well, just as I have been seeing it do in low light. This beautiful bird flew nearby and I managed a very nice sequence of images and was able to retain all the detail within the white despite that harsh light.
Pouncing kit for Fox Friday
Like any good sibling, this little one took great joy in pouncing on and tackling its littermate. The light was low on this evening making catching any sort of fast moving action like this tough. Nevertheless, it was fun to see and even better to have gotten a few images. I haven’t seen these little ones since that day unfortunately as their mom undoubtedly moved the den again. Hopefully I get another chance but it will have to come soon as they won’t all be hanging out together for long.
Osprey focused on flight – and the photographer
Kind of a fun, panoramic crop on this cool raptor allowing you to see it up close and personal and check out that big wingspan. This bright-eyed, handsome fellow caught me a bit off guard with its launch and I was zoomed in farther than what I normally would be for a flight shot. It turned out pretty well though I think. Most of the Osprey parents are now sitting on eggs and it shouldn’t be too much longer before little ones make their appearance.
One owlet stands out, two stay hidden
What a fantastic find my friend turned me on to. A pair of Great Horned Owls established a nest along a very public greenbelt not far from where I live. I have photographed GHOs and their nests many times but only in traditional, stick nests. This is the first I have personally seen one in a tree cavity which makes for a unique scene.
I’ve visited a few times over the past week, photographing both parents as well as some of the three little ones. On Monday, one of the little ones was standing tall just above the cavity. If you look closely, you can see one of its siblings peering out from below. I never did get a decent shot of all three but was able to verify two down in the cavity. With any luck, one of these days I will get a shot of all three before they fledge.
American Avocets have a bit of a squabble
As I have said, I don’t really take pictures of “little” birds. However, I have to admit these ones are pretty darned cool. There were about a half dozen of them hanging out in a pond on Sunday and I felt compelled to take pictures of them. I don’t want the problem was but these two clearly did not want to play nice with each other. One would get close, the other would chase it away. I had a hard time keeping up with the action but did manage this shot of the two of them going at it.
Osprey gives its thoughts about Monday
Osprey gives its thoughts about Monday. I could not agree more. 😀 Couldn’t resist after what was a rough start to the workweek. It’s all downhill from here right?
Turkey tom showing off for the ladies
Taken back on Easter Sunday as light snow fell. The guys were doing their best to impress the ladies and put on a fashion show for them. Most of the time thing were quiet but the toms did get a bit aggressive toward each other a time or two. This guy is part of a rafter of turkeys that hangs out in a suburban area not far from where I live. There are some nice, natural open space areas for them but they oftentimes road the streets which is pretty fun and seems out of place.
Mama and her littlest one
Going back to a couple of weeks ago when I spent an evening with this Red Fox family. The little kit had a hard time keeping up with its bigger siblings and was quick to cling to mom when she came back for a meal. I haven’t been able to see them since as she moved the den but am hoping I get another chance in the coming weeks.
Regal Eagle looking forward to the weekend
Regal Eagle looking forward to the weekend. And, so am I! TGIF! I feel like I have been put through the grinder after a rough week at work. With any luck, my wildlife friends will do a good job helping me let off some steam with weekend.
This handsome fellow you have seen many times before as he and his mate maintain a nest in northern Colorado. When I saw him this past Sunday, he was hanging out about a quarter mile from home. For an hour I watched him and the majority of the time he just slept. With two little eaglets at home, maybe he isn’t get much sleep at night. 😉