Again, a truncated version today, as most of my photos are back in Chicago. Fortunately, two readers have kept the tank from running dry.
From Stephen Barnard of Idaho, a bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus), with the photo labeled “Talons!”
Red-winged Blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus) harassing a Northern Harrier (Circus cyaneus)
And his photo of a Western Tiger Swallowtail butterfly (Papilio rutulus):
And spring ducklings from reader “DiscoveredJoys”
You might be interested in the attached photograph of a mother and her ducklings on the tow path of the Grand Union Canal at Loughborough, UK. This time of year there are many ducks lined up along the tow path and while they are not ‘tame’ they are accustomed to people walking past only a couple of feet away. They keep an eye on you though and jump into the canal if they judge you are a risk. A fine balance of risk and energy saving perhaps?
I love that one of the black bird harrassment! The expression of the harrier’s face looks pained.
Great photos, thanks. Yes, the harried harrier is a great one.
“If evolution is true, why don’t harriers have guns in their behinds like bombardier beetles?”
Bald eagles are such robust beasties. Red in beak and talon…
I’m sure I’ve said these things before: 1. I just adore ducklings; 2. I love butterflies too; 3. I never get sick of seeing the amazing way a bird’s wing is engineered which Stephen Barnard’s photos make it so easy to appreciate.
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love the redwing
Beautiful swallowtail–looks newly emerged, or at least very fresh.
Very sweet duck family, DJ!
Loved all these photos. Stephen, I hope there’s a coffee table book of your photos in the works. 🙂 I’d buy one.