Today I’m featuring photos by our most regular regular, Stephen Barnard of Idaho. His notes are indented:
Great Horned Owl (Bubo virginianus) looking at Deets [the border collie]:
Sandhill Cranes (Grus canadensis). The was a large wolf across the creek in the field this morning and
Deets was going nuts.
European Starling (Sturnus vulgaris). These introduced birds are harmful to native cavity-nesting birds and are considered pests, but they’re beautiful in their winter plumage.
Sandhill Cranes (Grus canadensis) doing a fall dance. Unlike the spring dance, this isn’t (I think) an overt mating ritual. They’re feeling frisky before the migration. Maybe it’s a bonding or dominance ritual. They’ll be gone at the next cold snap.
Desert Cottontail (Sylvilagus audubonii). They’ve become abundant since we removed the feral cats.
A ruby- crowned kinglet (Regulus calendula): Pretty cute, I think. These are tiny birds, always moving, hard to shoot. This one was hunting insects in a Russian Olive tree (Elaeagnus angustifolia). [JAC: This is a contender for the cutest bird ever!]
Lagniappe: A Sandhill Crane (Grus canadensis) grooming, making himself attractive to the ladies.
Stephen labeled this one “black-billed magpie” (Pica hudsonia), but there’s other wildlife there, too:
The kinglet is the sort of bird a child would draw! And that last picture is wonderful.
That isn’t a bird! That is a feather ball. Absolutely adorable.
Looks like a Christmas ornament!
Reblogged this on perfectlyfadeddelusions.
“…but there’s other wildlife there, too”
A nightjar? I have looked very hard but I just can’t see it.
Wow!! I am speechless. Absolutely awe-inspiring pix!!
About that last one: which one is the wing man?
I want to pat the owl & the starling’s colours are beautiful!
Wonderful photos, as usual, Stephen. Having watched kinglets, I am amazed that you captured this great little fellow sitting still!
Obviously, he pulled out & posed a stuffed kinglet, just to impress us.
Great shot of the magpie and other bird!
As usual Stephen, amazing photos. That is a great expression on the magpie’s face. “Do you want to be friends?” Or “I’m looking for a bodyguard, can you help?”
The kinglet is adorable; I always call cute little birds I can’t identify as peepers. I think I got it from the Easter candy peeps, but don’t know.
I can appreciate Starlings, but they removed a pair of swallows that were nesting in a roof eave last summer, and so I hold a grudge.
What? No shot of the wolf?
😀
Most delightful as usual, Stephen; love the crane dance!
I wonder why the magpie and the Big Bird are hanging together? Perhaps the magpie is following the predator to maybe snag carrion? Or was it mobbing it?
Magpie: Just wait till the rest of the gang gets here!
Eagle: I shall remain aloof from your pathetic threats.
Fantastic pics! Thank you both.
Stephen & the Kinglet?
Stephen for his skill and sending them in and Jerry for posting them. 🙂
oops.
Sometimes I’m too quick with the snark.
😳
No worries. 🙂