Feathered Friends in Winter







A couple of days ago, I was out for my routine evening walk (as sunset approached) when a large raptor swooped into the poplar tree outside my arbor. This bird stared at my little dogs just intently enough that I quickly scooped up Mocha and called Aiko to follow me. I  put them safely in the house, grabbing my camera and the telephoto lens. I took the first photograph with my regular lens to be sure I got a shot.

 

 

But this hawk was not moving. And I took the time to put the telephoto lens on. Beautiful feathered friend! 

The raptor appeared to be hunting, looking this way and that. Amazing how they can turn their heads completely opposite the front of their bodies!

 

I quietly stepped closer and closer snapping pictures as I went. The hawk stared at me once in awhile as if to say,
"What in the heck are YOU up to?"

 

I had 20 full minutes to enjoy this lovely creature. I intended to circle around behind the bird, so I could photograph his backside, helping me with identification. I didn't get that far before he flew off. But I had enough detail to know he was a mature red tailed hawk. Beautiful!

 

Tonight, I was out again walking with my dogs just before sunset. It was cold (already only 26 degrees)! But a flock of Robins that come to drink from my little pond were perching on tree branches to catch the last rays of the evening.

 

Red breast and golden beak...a reminder of warmer days on this wintry evening.

 

Perched safely in an apple tree, feathers fluffed against the cold, this delightful bird allowed me to step closer and closer, one foot and one shot at a time.

My gift! Happy New Year from the Feathered Friends and I!