A random capture from this past weekend. I was actually hiking to get a closer look at a different critter when this gorgeous Blue Jay landed in a tree right in front of me seeming to ask to have its picture taken. I of course obliged it and it then headed off to continue on its morning routine.
Long Eared Owl enjoys a morning nap
Finally! Last year I heard about some of these cool creatures hanging out in a Denver area state park but despite multiple attempts, I never did see them. In recent weeks, they were seen again and I decided to try once more on Saturday.
This time I was rewarded with an opportunity to see and photograph them. There were actually four within a small area, all nestled within some very thick brush. Only one was truly visible where I could get a picture.
The event was definitely short on action as it simply slept the entire time I observed it, occasionally turning its head and never opening its eyes. Nevertheless, it was a first for me to get to see a Long Eared Owl so I was pretty happy. Definitely makes me want to go back to try again.
These medium-sized owls are found across North America, year-round in the western United States and Canada but only in the winter east of the Rockies and in Mexico. Like most owls, they are nocturnal and during the winter, as I witnessed, will oftentimes roost communally.
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Freedom’s flyby!
A couple shots from an encounter with this gorgeous Bald Eagle last weekend. It was late morning and the light was kind of harsh but always fun to see these guys.
I haven’t had a truly good encounter with eagles in a while so that is going to be one of my primary focuses for the weekend. Hopefully I will have some luck. Have a great weekend, everyone!
Snowy Egret fluffs up, shows off
This guy (or gal) kind of looks like it was having a bad hair day! I was scrolling through some old pics and came across these images from last May that I never shared.
This Snowy Egret was hanging out along a creek, keeping watch on the waters and hoping for a fish to come by. At one point, it gave itself a big shake and shiver.
We see these pretty birds here in Colorado during the summer. You will typically find them in areas just like this, along water’s edge as they try to catch a meal.
Burrowing Owl stays focused on the photographer
And here I thought I stayed focused on my subjects! This pretty lady seemed quite intent to keep its gaze on me as well. 😉
A local wildlife photographer group arranged for a visit with Nature’s Educators, a non-profit group that does public outreach events to educate the public on wildlife. Most of the animals in the group’s care cannot be released into the wild for a variety of reasons.
Such is the case with Attis, a Burrowing Owl. She was hit by a car and suffered a broken wing that was unable to be fixed and as a result she cannot fly or be released into the wild. Instead, Attis now serves as an ambassador for the group. She gave me some fantastic looks and an opportunity to get much closer than what you normally could in the wild.
During the summer Burrowing Owls can be found across much of the western United States. At more southern latitudes closer to Mexico and in Florida they stay in place year round. Unlike most owls, Burrowing Owls are diurnal (versus nocturnal) so it is quite common to find them out and about during the day. Burrowing Owls are considered a threatened species here in the Colorado. Their numbers appear to be on the decline as humans take over and destroy their habitat.
Unlikely roost-mates
Not great pics but kind of a fun scene. It isn’t often you see two very different raptors happily sharing a spot. This young Bald Eagle didn’t seem to mind the Ferruginous Hawk that happened to join it in looking for breakfast.
Handsome Coyote pauses for its picture
This is one that almost got away. I saw it dart across the road about 50 yards in front of me early one morning. As fast as it was moving, I was sure it would be gone by the time I stopped to try to take a picture but, much to my surprise, he actually paused and gave me a couple nice poses. So, thank you, Wile E, for the pics! 😉 Taken in Adams County, Colorado.
Mountain Goat takes a break on the alpine tundra
I don’t know why but spring fever has hit me hard this week. I can’t stop thinking about warmer weather and the creatures I see during the spring and summer.
The thing is, at least as far as this image goes, when I took this picture at the start of September it was no warmer than it is right now (33 degrees). Key difference is of course that the image was taken at nearly 14,000 feet near the top of Mount Evans where it always seems to be cold. 😉
I do look forward to returning there though and spending some time with the Mountain Goats. They are beautiful and just a ton of fun.
Peregrine Falcon puts on a show
This was one cool little raptor that was in no mood to pose for pictures. Horus is a retired breeding falcon that now is an ambassador for Nature’s Educators, a non-profit wildlife education group.
She was quite entertaining as she posed on some rocks and constantly spread her wings making it clear that she would rather be flying that posing for pictures. I can’t say I blame her!
One of the most spectacular and ferocious raptors, Peregrine Falcons are nothing short of amazing. They oftentimes hunt from on high, diving to the ground toward their prey at speeds up to 200 mph!
Regal Eagle looks to the skies
I was just sitting watching the Eagles / Vikings game and while I don’t really care who wins since my Broncos are done for the season, I have to admit I like the Eagles’ name better. 😉 So, here is one of these majestic creatures that I happened to spot on my home from work Thursday.