Oh, is it hard to climb back into the everyday world. I find that holidays or other special times put one into an alternate universe with a different cast of characters and events. Difficult to come down. So I'll edge into my reports with a look at some of the local big birds photographed by my dotter, the Gdotter and a handful by meself. (Did I mention that my camera is broken and I spent the holidays naked, begging cameras (and downloads) left and right? Said machine is currently in the presumably expert hands of Best Buy's Geek Squad for an overhaul.)
Watson Lake is home to Canada geese overwintering in a warmer climate...
...while this golden eye is one of many ducks hanging out at Lynx Lake. Below: here are some of the others flocking there where the handouts are plentiful. Show up at the edge of the lake and a swarm of birds heads your way, quacking and honking their willingness to share any goodies you might offer.
The three geese at Lynx are particularly aggressive. I would guess that the pair above are escapees from someone's farmyard. They are ready to peck any little kid who doesn't come equipped with food. We made sure the Gdotter was prepared.
Meanwhile, while on a hike on the Peavine Trail, the dotter managed to catch an elusive road runner (above) and some variety of hawk in a tree (below).
My one decent hawk shot was taken out the Ferguson Valley Road. A harrier, the bird quickly left the tree and flew low over the fields to land on a power pole where the 8-year old Gdotter got the best take. (Tip: for a proper afternoon of hawk birding, there's nothing like a trip north on SR89 north of Chino Valley where every other pole is the roost for a raptor of some sort.)
And, wrapping up this first post of the New Year, good news about the old cottonwood tree down by the Skull Valley Wash near Kirkland. There's a new hawk's nest, replacing the old one that disappeared a year or so ago. I even caught a glimpse of a hawk up on the hillside who might be this year's occupant. The new quarters aren't as big as the previous nest, but will probably grow in time. The old nest was many years old.
Watson Lake is home to Canada geese overwintering in a warmer climate...
...while this golden eye is one of many ducks hanging out at Lynx Lake. Below: here are some of the others flocking there where the handouts are plentiful. Show up at the edge of the lake and a swarm of birds heads your way, quacking and honking their willingness to share any goodies you might offer.
The three geese at Lynx are particularly aggressive. I would guess that the pair above are escapees from someone's farmyard. They are ready to peck any little kid who doesn't come equipped with food. We made sure the Gdotter was prepared.
Meanwhile, while on a hike on the Peavine Trail, the dotter managed to catch an elusive road runner (above) and some variety of hawk in a tree (below).
My one decent hawk shot was taken out the Ferguson Valley Road. A harrier, the bird quickly left the tree and flew low over the fields to land on a power pole where the 8-year old Gdotter got the best take. (Tip: for a proper afternoon of hawk birding, there's nothing like a trip north on SR89 north of Chino Valley where every other pole is the roost for a raptor of some sort.)
And, wrapping up this first post of the New Year, good news about the old cottonwood tree down by the Skull Valley Wash near Kirkland. There's a new hawk's nest, replacing the old one that disappeared a year or so ago. I even caught a glimpse of a hawk up on the hillside who might be this year's occupant. The new quarters aren't as big as the previous nest, but will probably grow in time. The old nest was many years old.
Good to "see" you online, GJ!
ReplyDeleteHope the camera gets fixed soon. I miss your unique and wonderful photographic eye.
Thank your family members, though, for their digital "loans"!
~Anon in AV.
I'm glad you had a good visit with your family. Cameras are repairable.
ReplyDeleteGood photos. Camera prices drop every year. Sometimes it's cheaper to buy a new one then reapair an older one. Hope it doesn't cost you much.
ReplyDeleteWelcome back to the fold. Your public awaits!
ReplyDeleteHermano
Hooray..you're back. I missed you. I checked every day to see if you had any new wonders to share. I love this post.........as you know I'm a bird lover!
ReplyDeleteGreat picutres and keen eye...
ReplyDeleteanon av -- it is good to be back in the Real World (though oh, I miss all that indulgence from the younger generation!) The world will be complete once I have that dratted camera back. I think I dropped it one too many times...
ReplyDeletecat-A -- there's nothing like being surrounded by a wonderful family...
steve -- believe it or not, it is still coming in at a better price for the repair than the replacement!
bro -- thank you, thank you!
lady -- but you don't have to leave your yard to see a wonderful variety of birds -- even Big Birds! Lucky Lady!
changes - let's just say it took six keen eyes, if mine count...
A great post - loved the Pink Girl ana White Goose and the roadrunner
ReplyDeleteI am naked now too - the camera suddenly declines to focus - but I can't buy a new one till I find the receipt and see if it is in warranty (It COULD happen!)
cathy -- hope you lucked out with that warrantee!
ReplyDelete