One of four young ones from an area nest, this juvenile Red-tailed Hawk provided me with many neat poses, including this one. The soft light of sunrise gave it a glow and helped to provide just a bit of a glint in its eye.
Marmot plays peek-a-boo
These little critters are lots of fun to watch as they hop around on the talus slopes of the Rocky Mountains. This particular Yellow-bellied Marmot was quite curious about me and kept working its way closer and closer. Each time it stopped, it would hide behind a rock, peer out and then watch me for a minute or two before moving a bit closer.
Watchful Prairie Dog
Not a favorite photo subject of mine but with as prevalent as they are, you can’t help but train your lens on them every now and then. This particular one was – as they all are – very wary of my presence as I sat watching its neighboring Burrowing Owls.
Golden whitetail doe
I was a bit surprised to come across this whitetail deer doe recently northeast of Denver. She was all alone without another deer in sight. Thankfully she stopped bounding through the fields just long enough for me to snap this picture. The soft, golden light of sunrise helps to make her look absolutely beautiful.
Red-tailed Hawk close-up flyby
Sometimes wildlife gets a bit closer than anticipated and such was the case with this picture. This gorgeous Red-tailed Hawk was kind enough to give me a very nice flyby but ended up coming closer and faster than I was prepared for. While I was initially annoyed that I cut off part of its wing, I have come to like the image quite a bit due to the closeness to the bird it conveys.
“I want my mama!”
“I want my mama!” While this Burrowing Owl owlet is actually just yawning, I can’t help but imagine its look in this picture as a cry for mom to bring it breakfast. Notice to the right one of its siblings is keeping close watch on the photographer while trying to stay camouflaged.
Young Bald Eagle takes flight for Freedom Friday
This beautiful eagle posed for pictures this past March at Cherry Creek State Park, Colorado. Ready for a meal, it then launched itself into the air, showcasing its beautiful plumage and 6 foot wide wingspan.
It is always such a thrill for me to see these gorgeous creatures and even better when I can capture a good action shot of them as was the case this time. It has been more than a month since I last saw a Bald Eagle and I am going through withdrawals. 😉
To see more pics I have taken of these raptors, see here.
Triple launch of Double-crested Cormorants
While taking pictures of these birds sunning in a tree on the plains of northeastern Colorado, they suddenly decided it was time to fly. By sheer chance I captured all three of them just after they leapt into the air. I really like this picture and think it almost seems like a stacked image of a single bird in three different spots as it launched into the air.
Juvenile Osprey tests its wings
This past weekend gave me my first look at the young ones at this nest and they definitely are not small. With Dad and its sibling nearby, one of the juveniles did a few test flaps of its wings – nearly hitting Dad upside the head at one point. 😉 I am guessing it will be a few more weeks before these two are ready to go anywhere.
Why did the Bullsnake cross the road?
I have no idea why this snake was trying to cross a busy road in Longmont, Colorado recently. However, when I spotted it, it was only about halfway across and vehicle traffic was likely going to bring about its demise.
I made a hasty U-turn and since I am “adverse” to reptiles, my friend ran out into the road, picked up the snake and moved it to safety. We of course took the opportunity to take a few pictures before releasing it safely in an adjacent field.
It is a good thing my buddy was there as there is no way I would have grabbed it like he did. I did hold on to its tail briefly so my friend could get his pictures of it but I was not pleased. ;-)?