At least those youngsters on the Montana family farm like to wander but they’re always raised in the dark and confined interiors of old granaries. I’ve often wondered if GHO chicks raised in trees do the same thing at this tender age but I have little experience with that situation.
In the past I’ve photographed many buteo species regurgitating pellets but until two days ago I’d never done it with a Ferruginous Hawk. And the aftermath of this event was entertaining for me and perhaps for the hawk too. I’d never seen it happen before and I have to wonder if the hawk had.
Does phragmites really deserve its nasty reputation as an invasive species that “should be removed at any cost”?
Some history of the “glory days” with Bald Eagles at Farmington Bay Waterfowl Management Area and some thoughts on what potentially happened to those days.
I don’t know precisely which courtship stage this pair was in but they were clearly having a bonding moment.
For me at least Peregrine Falcons are usually unapproachable but occasionally when they’ve had prey I’ve been able to get close enough for quality photos. That’s why I appreciate the sacrifice of this American Coot.
I feel extremely fortunate to have taken several photos of a female Short-eared Owl in flight that clearly show her brood patch.
Critters use sunflowers for a variety of reasons. They don’t have to be in bloom to be useful to birds and wildlife but when they are they sure brighten up some of my photos. When they aren’t they allow me to photograph feeding behavior like I did yesterday.
Just holding onto your lunch isn’t always easy when you’re 20′ in the air and the prey is relatively large.
In fact, the solitaire demonstrated his fussiness about food on two separate occasions and in two different ways.
These photos of brawling coots are among the very first I ever took with my brand new 500mm lens over eleven years ago, on June 18, 2007.
