Yesterday was a beautiful day and Mike wanted to drive up to Merom, Indiana to show me the area. He recently spent 3 days staying at a retreat center in Merom and was impressed with how pretty the area was.
Before you get to Merom, he knew where there was a field just off the highway where someone was raising elk. I wish there wasn't a fence in the way, but I was impressed with the antlers on these guys!
Not something I see very often, so this was a fun stop. Two of them were right by the fence, giving me some good photo opportunities.
I like this ones beard as well as his antlers. Looks like an old man :-)
Intent on his dinner.
We took a nice winding road that was a "back way" into Merom, and saw quite a few hawks and kestrels up on the wires or poles watching the nearby fields.
I think this one was a Harrier, from the way it acted and the white rump. It was skimming low over the field and dropped down behind that grass you can see. I was just about ready to turn the camera off when suddenly it shot back up over the hill with a very large hawk after it!
The hawk landed on the pole and I have no idea where the Harrier went.
He was really pretty and I was sure I'd be able to identify it when I got home.....but I'm not sure from looking at books. I've been told it is a Red-Tailed Hawk, so I guess that is not very exciting. It was very large. Much lighter in color than most hawks that I see. It looked like he had streaks on his face, but in the photos I can see that is just a darker area around the lower beak.
Before you get to Merom, he knew where there was a field just off the highway where someone was raising elk. I wish there wasn't a fence in the way, but I was impressed with the antlers on these guys!
Not something I see very often, so this was a fun stop. Two of them were right by the fence, giving me some good photo opportunities.
I like this ones beard as well as his antlers. Looks like an old man :-)
Intent on his dinner.We took a nice winding road that was a "back way" into Merom, and saw quite a few hawks and kestrels up on the wires or poles watching the nearby fields.
I think this one was a Harrier, from the way it acted and the white rump. It was skimming low over the field and dropped down behind that grass you can see. I was just about ready to turn the camera off when suddenly it shot back up over the hill with a very large hawk after it!
The hawk landed on the pole and I have no idea where the Harrier went.
He was really pretty and I was sure I'd be able to identify it when I got home.....but I'm not sure from looking at books. I've been told it is a Red-Tailed Hawk, so I guess that is not very exciting. It was very large. Much lighter in color than most hawks that I see. It looked like he had streaks on his face, but in the photos I can see that is just a darker area around the lower beak.Whatever he is, I was impressed and he was the best hawk that I got photos of!
Will get to Merom in tomorrow's post :-)
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12 comments:
If this is how your trip started, I am sure the rest of it must have been just as good.
I think that Harrier high tailed it for sure! Looks like a red-tail to me. What did you come up with?
Nice pictures of the Elk and hawk! Love these little trips!!
Hi Mary, Looks like you two had a great day... The elk are gorgeous. Bet the Harrier was getting AWAY from the hawk... You got some great shots of the hawk also.
Hugs,
Betsy
Sounds like a fun day.I too think this is a Red-tail,but I disagree,that it is not very exciting.A beautiful shot like this is always exciting.
Blessings,Ruth
Seems to be unanimous for Red Tailed Hawk! I don't usually see them this close. I see more backs than I see anything else when it comes to hawks.
Mary, these are great shots! I sure have a hard time identifying the hawks except the Northern Harriers...but would have trouble with them if they were just sitting. These are wonderful pics.
We glimpsed those elk a bit back when we went down to Washington, Indiana...but it was on the way home and just didn't even attempt to stop.
Rose: I'm always so busy trying to take photos, that I forget to really study them when they fly. I'm lucky to get shots on posts....in the air, I never get them focused quick enough. The elk were interesting. There were some more up behind the house on a hill, but too far for photos. I wonder what they raise them for? I know of another elk ranch over in southern Illinois.
It looks as if you had a great trip to Merom. I'm very impressed with the photos of the elk. but your photo of the hawk is wonderful as well. I'd be very excited if I got a picture that good of a hawk.
Since I was pre-occupied last night rooting the Yankees onto their World Championship, I'll comment on both of your posts at the same time.
What a beautiful and historical place to visit. I'm sure you were very impressed.
The buidings are so beautiful as is all the countryside.
That old schoolhouse looks like it could use allot of TLC.
I'm curious about the plaque that mentions Chautauqua. Do you know why they used that name? I've not heard Chautauqua used anyplace but around here.
I've never tasted anything with Persimmons either.
What a gloomy day. Dark, raining, then snowing, then more rain. Must be time to move South! Don't I wish.
Have a great day Mary.
Very impressive shots of the hawk on the pole!!
We've seen an elk farm here, too, but I think it was more towards Turkey Run State Park. I'll have to inquire of hubby about that. Now we know there are at least two Hoosier elk farms.
Mary: Beautiful shot of the wild hawk.
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