Category: birds

Short-Eared Owl Hugging the Grass

I was not sure I was going to go to see the owls today, but I am glad I did. Usually there are too many people there on Sundays and too much noise. However, despite the large number of people everyone was quiet, and we got a treat.

Short-Eared Owl Hugging the Grass

At least 4-5 owls were up around 3:30 and the light started coming out from behind the clouds in spurts.

Short-Eared Owl Hugging the Grass

Many times the owls were flying just above the grass. We did see one successfully catch a vole. I have a few shots of it flying low with it, but I was facing the sun and the images were not that sharp. You can’t have everything, however it was a very satisfying viewing day. I hope you had a great weekend.

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!

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!

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!

Downy Woodpecker in November

The Downy Woodpecker was another bird I saw in a park on the Hudson River in New York. New York is in the year round range of this bird, as is most of the U.S.

Downy Woodpecker in November

The park is mostly woods. However, these shots are at the edge of the woods close to an open area. They usually stick to woods, but can be found in parks and they say at your bird feeder. When I was allowed to feed birds, I would see them in the woods behind my apartment, but not at the feeder.

Downy Woodpecker in November

This Downy Woodpecker is a male as males have the red patch on the back of their head.

Downy Woodpecker in November

Have a great rest of your week! Enjoy the great outdoors!

Tufted Titmouse in November

I believe these are all tufted titmouse. I saw these in a park on the Hudson River in New York. My region of New York is within its year-round range.

Tufted Titmouse in November

Tufted titmouse were following me around at this park. They were really interested in where I was.

Tufted Titmouse in November

These birds will visit feeders. In the complex I live in we were banned a few years ago from feeding the birds due to a bear going through and raiding the bird feeders. No one has been feeding the birds since, but we still have bears wandering through.

Tufted Titmouse in November

According to All About Birds Tufted Titmice move from branch to branch in the forest looking for food. They will go on the ground after fallen seeds. The park I went to was made up mostly of forest along the river.

Tufted Titmouse in November

Enjoy the weather and have a great week!