Thursday, November 12, 2009

Birds of prey in Autumn sunlight

I love the light of Autumn. It infuses everything with a richness that would be missed in other seasons.

Our new education screech owl, Thirteen...at this past weekend's Pumpkin Chuck:
(I didn't get to see any pumpkin chucking. I was mobbed by the public when they saw our birds)
Thirteen at Pumpkin Chuck
I sure do love that bird. He thinks he is 10 feet tall.

Sylvester was a peach, as usual.
The only thing that makes that bird react is nesting season. He is showing signs of it now...and it's not like he becomes a punk or anything. Just gets his feathers ruffled a bit more.
Good bird.
Sylvester at Pumpkin Chuck
(I even caught a circling turkey vulture above his head.)


Lucy was more than happy to demonstrate the art of raptor gourmet eating:
Lucy at Pumpkin Chuck
The quail never saw it coming.


This morning, a red-shouldered hawk awaited me as I left for the day:
RSHA Front yard
Glowing with that unique Fall sunrise.

It retired to the house next door as I pulled out of the driveway.
RSHA on Pams house
Ah, that red. More pure and more hot than any Crayola color.

And finally, take off:
RSHA take off no bands
"Look, Ma! No bands!"

9 comments:

littleorangeguy said...

I think I'm in love with Thirteen! He looks like someone who knows how to have a good time.

Mary said...

Thirteen's adorable. You have the best bird friends, Susan.

Kim said...

Love them all, but the Peregrine shot is to die for! Gotta agree with the others on 13 too!

Susan Gets Native said...

Have I mentioned lately that I LOVE MY JOB?
:)

Beth said...

Thirteen is adorable but I LOVE those shots of the Red Shoulder. How stunning and powerful and majestic.

Beth

NCmountainwoman said...

Loved every single photograph. What a great job you have, indeed!

Susan Ellis said...

the red shouldered hawk taking flight is wonderful. wow.

Mel said...

Hi Susan!
Love your birds :)
That last pic is awesome!!

Mary said...

Sure. I could drive 25 minutes to see a Raptor center in Charlotte. But, I'd rather drive 6 hours to see you in action and meet your lovely owls. I'm going to plan on it. K?