Readers’ wildlife photos

October 14, 2016 • 7:30 am

I’m in a rush this morning, so will show only two photographs. As happens so often, we have some timely pictures by Stephen Barnard from Idaho; his notes are indented:

 

Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus). Desi hunting for fish over Loving Creek.

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Lucy [Desi’s mate] seemed wistful visiting the vacated nest, but maybe that’s my anthropomorphism.

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American Kestrel (Falco sparverius):

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Bull moose (Alces alces) kicking up mayflies across Loving Creek.

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11 thoughts on “Readers’ wildlife photos”

  2. We do get eagles ’round my neck of the woods, but I’m not far west enough for those Magpies hanging about the nest. What’s the usual interaction between the Black-billed Magpies and the Eagles? I imagine they nab bits of stray food here and there, but are they antagonistic towards the eagles, or ignore them while making use of a bit of protection?

    1. Magpies are pretty smart — probably much smarter than eagles. Several times I’ve seen them stealing food from a eagle with a “tag team” tactic. One magpie will get close to the food, the eagle will chase after it, and another magpie will dart in to steal a bite.

  3. Good to see the Eagles know how to do it. No kids coming back to the nest here. That could be bullwinkle.

  4. Fine pictures, as usual. Fall will be an interesting time for observing the wildlife. Thanks for sharing Stephen.

  5. Stephen, what species of amphibians and reptiles do you get in your neighborhood? Do you see them often, or hardly at all? I don’t remember you sending in any photos of that group.

    2. There aren’t many reptiles and amphibians here because of the cold climate. There are no lizards or turtles that I’ve seen. I see quite a few toads (unknown species) in the summer and the occasional garter snake. There are rattlesnakes in the surrounding hills but not in the lower areas. People occasionally see Rubber Boas in the region, but I’ve never seen one.

      1. Would guess you are already past your first freeze of the season. That tends to end the mosquito biting time. We almost got our first freeze two nights ago but just missed us. Now we may not see it for some time.

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