We decided to check out Blue Grass thinking there would still be snow on the ground, but actually we didn't see much snow, but lots of hunting birds.
We saw a Harrier swooping low over the ground several times. Possibly it was more than one, since the area is fairly large.
A little more of him than I usually see. I love how they fly so low over the ground. It makes them easier for me to photograph than the hawks.
This Kestrel actually didn't fly away immediately and I got a good photo for a change! They are so pretty with their "war-paint" streaked faces!
Saw 2-3 Herons at a distance.
The Mockingbird was huddled in the briar patch keeping an eye on "his" pear trees.
We saw hawks 4-5 times, but this is the only one that sat still briefly for me to take a photo.
Deciding that he should take off now.
Way out in the middle of the biggest lake there was a melted area in the ice that was surrouded by Canada Geese, Mallards, Coots, and some other sort of duck with white on it.
I think these are the Coots.
I saw several of these funny cracked areas around twigs sticking up out of the water.
Dried flowers.
This is not a good photo, but I will stick it in anyway. We saw numerous birds along the edges of the meadows and road that we think were Meadowlarks, but they flew away each time before I could get any good photos. When they flew they had white outer tail feathers and they sat in the low grass like Meadowlarks. I would guess that in a 3-4 more weeks there will be many Meadowlarks in this area. This bird was in the road and I wasn't sure what it was......a Horned Lark? I have seen them in this area before.
We saw a Harrier swooping low over the ground several times. Possibly it was more than one, since the area is fairly large.
A little more of him than I usually see. I love how they fly so low over the ground. It makes them easier for me to photograph than the hawks.
This Kestrel actually didn't fly away immediately and I got a good photo for a change! They are so pretty with their "war-paint" streaked faces!
Saw 2-3 Herons at a distance.
The Mockingbird was huddled in the briar patch keeping an eye on "his" pear trees.
We saw hawks 4-5 times, but this is the only one that sat still briefly for me to take a photo.
Deciding that he should take off now.
Way out in the middle of the biggest lake there was a melted area in the ice that was surrouded by Canada Geese, Mallards, Coots, and some other sort of duck with white on it.
I think these are the Coots.
I saw several of these funny cracked areas around twigs sticking up out of the water.
Dried flowers.
This is not a good photo, but I will stick it in anyway. We saw numerous birds along the edges of the meadows and road that we think were Meadowlarks, but they flew away each time before I could get any good photos. When they flew they had white outer tail feathers and they sat in the low grass like Meadowlarks. I would guess that in a 3-4 more weeks there will be many Meadowlarks in this area. This bird was in the road and I wasn't sure what it was......a Horned Lark? I have seen them in this area before.It was a good day for seeing the birds of prey, and also quite a few songbirds, even when I couldn't tell what they were!
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20 comments:
A lovely post Mary. These raptors are always such a pleasure to see.
I always get a thrill to see the hunting birds. Used to get one occasionally when we had a garden and I was always fascinated as well as horrified that it was probably taking our garden birds. Lovely shot of the kestrel, what a pretty bird. A x
What a birdy day you had. That last photo looks like a horned lark to me. They like short grass fields. I find them in the schoolyard down here and I have seen them at the edge of the Great Salt Lake in Utah. I hear they like to hang out on air fields and beaches also, so your habit desciption fits.
Fun bird pictures, Mary! I like the pattern in the ice. And I think you are right about the identity of that last bird.
I've never seen a kestrel in person...they are beautiful!
I always think of Spring when I begin to see those ice patterns on our pond. And then it drops to 10 and snows. So much for Spring!
Wow! You got a kestrel...I have been trying for ages to get one but they never sit still long enough.
Joan: Thanks!
Strawberry Jam Anne: We have a hawk hunting at our feeders right now. I hope he picks house sparrows...I have plenty to spare and I'd hate to lose most of my birds.
Kathie: I saw them last fall in the parking lot by one of the lakes, so I thought that was what it was.
Dorothy: The ice patterns were interesting. I was surprised there was still so much ice.
Annie: I see the kestrels on the wire all the time, but they always fly the minute we stop the car.
Rose: This is my first good shot ever of one! He was in front of the car and I got a very badly lit shot and then he flew, but only went behind us a few yards and landed on the wire again, so I turned around and had the light perfect for once! We see them real regularly, they just don't like to hold still.
It looks as if you definitely had a good visit to Blue Grass. I really like your pictures of the Harrier swooping above the grass.
What a great shot of that Kestrel! I've seen some but only at a great distance and not up here.
Great pictures, Mary... You all always see so many great birds when you visit the Blue Grass. I love that Kestrel. Wish I could see one of them in person someday...
Hugs,
Betsy
That Kestrel shot is a stunner Mary. I know how hard they are to get close to! Harriers flight always looks so graceful to me. Love 'em. Yes, that's a Horned Lark (we have them here in Britain in certain areas where they're called Shorelarks.
The Kestrel shot is excellent.I find that they are very flighty,so getting a good picture is not easy.The last one is indeed a Horned Lark.I enjoyed each of the pictures,very interesting.
Blessings,Ruth
Wow, you hit the jack-pot didn't you. I love that Kestrel, and his gorgeous colors.
You have the coolest places to visit in the winter.
Excellant shots!
B.
You know your birds so well.
Thank you everyone. I think we see something new every time we go to Blue Grass. Right now it's a really nice because there isn't too much fishing going on at the moment. The birds are more active and easier to find.
Mary: Neat photos of that hawk, very enjoyable. I liked your ice/twig photo.
Love the harrier in flight! What a neat day for seeing birds ;)
Magnificent collection of feathered friends here Mary. Great post!
I love the hawks enlarged!! I had one about that big in the tree outside my kitchen window last week. The Lord told me to look up - and way up there was this big hawk! It was an awesome site. He just sat there looking at me. I was feeling blu when the Lord told me to look up! instantly changed my mood! :) Isn't God so personal??
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Love the harrier and kestrel Mary. These all all great photos! You really do a great job of this.
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