Patrolling low over a snow-covered field, this female Harrier saw something of interest. In a heartbeat she dropped to the ground, landing right on its prey. I’m not sure what is captured, likely a vole or mouse although I couldn’t see any sort of tail. It was kind of fun to witness, even if a good ways off in the field.
Little owl, big stretch
A bit of a TBT to July 4th. Burrowing Owls come to the Colorado plains during the summer and are tons of fun to watch and photograph. Almost without fail, after emerging from their burrows, they stretch in every conceivable direction, clearly needing to limber up after being cooped up underground. This was the first of five juveniles to emerge from this burrow on this morning, striking a pose as it did. To the right you can see the head of one of its siblings as it climbed out as well.
Dive!
A young Red Tailed Hawk takes flight. Not sure if it was something I said or what but this raptor did not want its picture taken. Almost immediately after I got my camera up and pointed it decided it was time to fly.
Elusive gray ghost finally captured on film
Well, not really a ghost and not on film but you get the idea. 😉
Northern Harriers are notoriously difficult to get good pictures of. Their erratic flight patterns mere feet off the ground coupled with their reluctance to come close to humans make getting pictures of them a challenge.
Females are brown in color but males are this gorgeous gray and white pattern, hence the nickname the gray ghost. The male also seems to be more elusive and reclusive – at least it always has been to me. I have historically had little luck getting quality images of the gray ghost, something which has been frustrating.
Last week I finally was able to capture my first decent images of one as it hunted a field north of Denver International Airport, Colorado. Such a beautiful raptor and those yellow, piercing eyes are mesmerizing.
In addition to North America, these hawks are found in Asia and Europe where they are called Hen Harriers.
Scroll down to view the complete series of images of the gray ghost.
Take out, anyone?
A Bald Eagle ensures it has a good grip on its prairie dog breakfast as it flies off. Taken in Adams County, Colorado yesterday.
Golden Eagle makes unusual appearance on the plains
It isn’t too often you find these gorgeous birds out on the plains and I have only seen them a handful of times at all. This past weekend though, good fortune struck not once, but twice.
I initially got pictures of one on Saturday but the lighting was poor leading to disappointing images. Yesterday I returned to the same area and with gorgeous, clear blue skies got some great pics. I could not be happier and truly appreciate my friend, Bill, telling me he had spotted it.
Here in Colorado, Golden Eagles are more likely to be found in the foothills and mountains than on the plains. They are very large birds with wingspans over 6 feet across and very fast and maneuverable having been clocked at nearly 200mph in a dive!
Images taken in Adams County, Colorado. Scroll down to view the complete gallery.
Christmas Eve Portrait of a Bald Eagle
A belated Freedom Friday posting due to the holiday. With family in town for the holidays, we took them for a tour of the Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge on Christmas Eve morning.
For the most part, the sights were pretty standard fare – up until we were approaching the gate to leave.
This gorgeous Bald Eagle was perched in one of the trees at the entrance and allowed me to get some fantastic captures, including some very nice close ups like this one.
There are lots of eagles at the refuge this time of year but they tend to stay in the areas where people aren’t allowed. Thankfully this one made an exception for us.
Prairie Falcon makes head on launch
I was taking pictures of this gorgeous raptor last week while it sat perched on a utility pole. Normally birds will avoid launching toward you, instead choosing to take a safer route away from the human interloper. This falcon though decided to launch almost directly at me, allowing me to capture this cool sequence of images.
It was in fact watching a small flock of blackbirds behind me and decided to try to snag one for a meal. It wasn’t successful and I missed capturing images of it diving directly though the flock but I was very happy with the launch sequence I was able to get.
These raptors are not particular about their diet and will feed on smaller birds including larks, swallows and doves but will also feed on rodents including squirrels.
Taken in Adams County, Colorado.
Bald Eagle showcases classic form, impressive talons
Yesterday ended just about perfectly as I spotted this gorgeous raptor on my way home. Even better, it put on quite a show alternating between posing for pictures, flying around and then returning to roost.
These are a few pics of the eagle when it paused and took a break. It was absolutely regal. Probably one of my favorite parts of these images are the impressive view of those massive, deadly talons.
Bald Eagles are believed to have a grasp capable of exerting an astonishing 400psi. By comparison, the average human’s hand comes in around 20psi. Needless to say, when an eagle latches on to a rabbit, prairie dog or fish, the prey isn’t very likely to get away.
Taken in Adams County, Colorado.
Bald Eagle silhouetted by the late day sun
Well this sure made for a fine way to end the work day. 🙂