Author: sharonsiconictravelphotographyblog

You’re In My Spot!

The short-eared owls have been back a few weeks. They are taking no prisoners. There are not letting the hawks hang out on the posts. This reminds me of Sheldon in Big Bang Theory. He did not like anyone sitting in his chair.

You’re In My Spot!

The short-eared owls would fly up and try to knock the hawks off the posts. They were also chasing them around the refuge.

You’re In My Spot!

The owls are not landing on any of the numerous posts put up for perching. Hopefully they will soon. Sometimes that is your best chance at a decent shot because you can lower the shutter speed.

You’re In My Spot!

Do you have a favourite spot? Have a Happy Thanksgiving!

Around Bryant Park Thanksgiving Eve

I had to hit a store after work on the night before Thanksgiving. On the way back to the Grand Central I stopped by Brant Park. Manhattan was very crowded and Brant Park was no exception.

Around Bryant Park Thanksgiving Eve – different kind of holiday lights

Brant Park has an ice skating rink, which I could not get close to, and a nice little Christmas Market with many vendor booths set up in sheds. Here are some of the things that caught my eye that I could get a photo of.

Around Bryant Park Thanksgiving Eve – Lanterns with patterns from India
Around Bryant Park Thanksgiving Eve
Around Bryant Park Thanksgiving Eve – North Pole Express

The North Pole Express tour bus picks up on 42nd Street, the street bordering the north side of the park. I hope you had an enjoyable Thanksgiving.

Coyotes Howling During Beaver Moon

I was in a parking lot near my apartment when I heard these coyotes howling on the night of the Beaver Moon. I quickly went to my car as I did not want to chance becoming coyote food.

I’m not not sure if it was the moon they were howling at or if it was the usual calling the pack to dinner. The actually sounded closer than this video that my phone picked up. My area has an abundance of deer. I have never heard this many coyotes before. Did anyone else have an interesting experience with animals on the night of the Beaver Moon?

Female Red-Bellied Woodpecker

This is the female version of the red-bellied woodpecker. The male has red all the way to and including its crown. The female does not have red on the crown. It looks like it has a bald head.

Female Red-Bellied Woodpecker

These pictures were taken last weekend in a wetlands area in a different county that I found the male.

Female Red-Bellied Woodpecker

I am having issues tagging photos tonight. Is anyone else? It deletes as I am typing them. Anytime I contact Word Press anymore they do not respond.

Have a great weekend! If you have good weather catch some rays and get some Vitamin D.

Educated Red-Tailed Hawk

I saw this hawk on the campus of a local university. The Merlin app only assigns the red tailed hawk to these images, so I will have to assume that is what it is.

Educated Red-Tailed Hawk

I was hoping to see this bird fly. Although it did look like it was actively hunting looking for mice etc. It did not move on from this spot while I was there.

Educated Red-Tailed Hawk

I was walking in an open area and on the return I heard the call of a red tailed hawk coming from the woods, so I am assuming it may have been this bird.

Educated Red-Tailed Hawk

I know a lot of schools in New York had off today for Veteran’s Day. I understand some in Connecticut may have had classes. I know of some veteran’s who were asked to go in and speak at one school. Since the numbers of people in this country who have actually served in the military are decreasing, maybe a day in school inviting in those who served would be a better use of time. If you served in the military, thank you for your service!

Teapots Repurposed

“Wherever you are in the world, you are at home when tea is served.”

Earlene Grey

According to the The UK Tea & Infusions Association 84% of the UK population drinks tea every day. Tea is my favourite drink as well. These pictures were taken in London at I believe at the outdoor seating of an Arab restaurant.

Teapots Repurposed
Teapots Repurposed

I love how they repurposed these old teapots into flower vases. It combines the British love of tea with their love of flowers.

What do you think, are these teapots your cup of tea?

More Tufted Titmouse

Park security greeted me again upon arrival. It was the tufted titmouse. Everywhere I went in the park they followed and posed for me.

More Tufted Titmouse

At one point I went on a path with brush on both sides. It was landing on the bushes within a foot of me. One also landed on my zoom lens and on my hand holding the camera up.

More Tufted Titmouse

We are in a dry situation. Normally I do not wish for rain on weekends, but I am pulling for it to happen this weekend. We have had multiple wildfires in surrounding counties. I like having the skies we had the past few weeks. It can make for some great photos, but there is evidently too much of a good thing.

More Tufted Titmouse

Enjoy your Sunday and Happy Veteran’s Day to all who served!

Red-Bellied Woodpecker

I believe this is the red-bellied woodpecker. My area of New York is within its year round range. By comparing it to photos on All About Birds I would think this is a male as males have a red crown.

Red-Bellied Woodpecker

I could not get a good view of this bird. I only saw it for a short amount of time. When I moved to a side of the tree that was better for lighting it was not visible.

Re Bellied Woodpecker

This may be the first time I have seen this kind of woodpecker. This location is said to have red-headed woodpeckers also. I stop here frequently, but have yet to sight one. Enjoy your holiday weekend. Happy Veteran’s Day!

Black-Capped Chickadee

I believe this is a black capped chickadee. I saw this in a park on the Hudson River in New York. New York is within its year round range.

Black-Capped Chickadee

According to All About Birds the black-capped chickadee has a habit of investigating people. This bird flew right at me a few times then veered off. So that was certainly true.

Have a Happy Friday!

Ruby-Crowned Kinglet November

They say you usually do not see the crown unless this bird is agitated. It was a very windy day and the crown feathers are only partially visible and not standing up, so I do not think it was agitated.

Ruby-Crowned Kinglet November

This bird does not linger on branches. It moves from branch to branch and tree to tree like it is hyperactive.

Ruby-Crowned Kinglet November

Sometimes windy days can be good days for taking a photograph. Have a great Wednesday!