My goodness. Look at those two cuties! I got a call Sunday from a friend that one of the area Great Horned Owl nests had some activity in it. Of course I rushed up there to see the goings on but unfortunately I apparently just missed mom feeding the little ones. I did, however, get some cute captures of the three of them as they nestled in for a post-breakfast nap.
American Kestrel snags its breakfast
It is a little tough to see as it is hanging off the opposite side of the branch, but this little falcon caught itself a meal nearly as big as it is! Yesterday I was wrapping up a walk along the South Platte River when I spotted this handsome guy just as he landed with his mouse. He only gave me a few captures then headed off to dine in private.
These birds are the smallest falcon in North America averaging about 8 inches long. Don’t let their size fool you though. They are as much of an effective predator and just as vicious as any raptor.
First Argentinian visitor of the season
Last week I posted a picture of one of these cool raptors from last year saying that I expected to see them soon this season on the Colorado plains. That turned out to be true as yesterday I came across this gorgeous dark morph Swainson’s Hawk.
It was perched on a utility pole and judging from the size of its crop, it had just eaten. As such, it was in no rush to move and allowed me to get some close ups of it. I reckon too after its ridiculously long migration from Argentina, it was just looking to rest up and take a break. 😉
Osprey preps for landing
These raptors are busily setting up their homes, getting ready to lay eggs and have little ones. This particular nest, as you can tell, is on top of a power pole. Not exactly an ideal type location but one which Osprey are infamous for utilizing. This unfortunately does sometimes result in bad outcomes for obvious reasons – hopefully that will not be the case with this one.
Bald Eagle in flight by dawn’s early light
I arrived at my photo destination along the South Platte River a couple weeks ago just as the sun was coming up. The mated pair of Bald Eagles were doing a ‘changing of the guard’ with the female ready for a break.
She hopped out and went to a neighboring tree while the male stayed at the nest. After a bit of preening, it was time to get back to her eggs and the beautiful lady launched into the air. Light was still kind of low but its golden glow really put some nice light on her as she flew by me.
Mornings don’t get much better than this! A great image for Freedom Friday and I can say TGIF because that means I get a couple days with the hopes to see some of these majestic creatures.
Mule Deer doe lit up by the morning light
Well this pretty lady looked even more beautiful when bathed in the golden light of sunrise. Most of the deer right now look a little bit rough as they lose their winter coats but this one was the exception. Found across western North America, Mule Deer are aptly named for their over-sized ears.
Image taken at the Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge near Denver, Colorado.
Swainson’s Hawks poised to return to the Centennial State
One of my favorite seasonal visitors. I had hoped to spot the first of the season this past weekend but had no such luck. However, it won’t be long till I see them. This particular one is one I captured an image of last spring.
These beautiful raptors are found across the American West during the summer months. They arrive in such numbers that they become almost more common than the ubiquitous Red Tailed Hawk. It is here that they will mate and have young before heading south to Argentina for the winter, one of the longest migrations of any raptor.
Little Great Horned Owl Owlet makes its first appearance
Well, lookie there! The first little fluff head of the season that I have seen. This is a new nest this year, not too far from my home.
I stopped by yesterday, mainly just expecting to see Mom laying down, and was pleasantly surprised to see a bobblehead in there with her. I thought I saw a second owlet briefly but never got a pic of it and it might have just been the butt of the first one. 😉
The nest is WAY up high and in a thick stand of trees so visibility is really limited. Hopefully I will be able to get a better look when they get bigger.
Bald Eagle displays amazing feat of agility
Truly astounding. Couldn’t believe this massive raptor was able to balance itself on such a tiny twig. I’ve been observing eagles for years but have never seen anything like this. Happy April Fools Day. 😉
Easter Bunny enjoys some solitude after a busy night
It is undoubtedly a lot of work delivering eggs and treats to the kiddos. Now it is time to take a break and just relax on those Colorado plains. 😉