Tag / Birds of Prey

I actually walked by this owl as it sat motionless on the ground and so beautifully blended into the still brown spring grasses.  It was not injured and moved into this mantling position.  I have heard they sometimes nest on the ground – perhaps this owl was doing just that.  The next photo is the same owl sitting straight up – the position it was in when I went by it.

The following photo of a Great Horned Owl in flight.  What struck me was the size of its feet and the light colouring looking at it from below.  This owl had three owlets, one was found dead by city workers, one remained in a tree and one was thriving on the ground.  I was told this owl “thumped” a person from behind when they tried to put the owlet from the ground back up in a nearby tree. Apparently they had been advised to do so by someone at the wildlife rescue shelter.  I was also told the person had claw marks on their back and the owls talons had gone right through his clothing. Even though her owlet was on the ground she was still certainly watching over it.

Next, two owlets showing different stages of plumage.

Enjoy!

~Sharon

The Red Tailed Hawk is common in the countryside of southern Manitoba and is often seen perched on poles or trees alongside field areas.  They are large birds of prey who would feed on small animals such as rabbits, mice, gophers and the like.  Their belly area shows white plumage while the back and tail are a rusty brown colour.

As I was taking these photos  I thought the hawk was going to take to flight as it suddenly turned toward me, lifted its back end and stood up a little straighter.  However, it appears it needed to do what hawks do . . . throw a projectile “poop” out. Oh well, I thought I would post this unusual photo anyway.  See below.

After the hawk did its business it took to flight.

Enjoy!

Sharon

Bald Eagles are both predators and scavengers.  They can be seen soaring high in the sky riding the air currents, by roadways dining on roadkill or perched up high on a tree or pole keeping watch on their hunting grounds.  I have observed them raiding a goose nest, picking a fish out of a lake, locking talons in mid-flight and then twirling together in the sky.  With eyesight second to none and the ability to dive from the skies upon their prey they are truly amazing birds of prey.  The mature eagles display their unmistakable white heads and tails while the young keep their mottled brown plumage until their third year.  It’s always a thrill to see a Bald Eagle in the wild.  Webcams such as the one on Vancouver Island a few years ago make it possible for people around the world to watch the nesting and habits of these beautiful birds.

Below:  Immature Bald Eagles – likely second year as the white plumage is beginning to show.

Enjoy!

~Sharon