It's Pouring in the Northeast

The rains are coming down and temperatures are
going up. We broke a record yesterday when it hit 59
degrees. The pouring rain doesn't keep the birds
from the feeders. A drenched titmouse comes for seeds.

My furry friend doesn't seem to mind either nor
Mr. C waiting his turn.

But the downy woodpecker found refuge in my wren box.
You can see where he made the hole bigger to accomodate
his body.

And to my surprise as I looked out towards the playhouse
I saw this skunk looking my way. I seldom see them in the
day, but always can smell their presence at night.

HAWK - a -licious week end!

Saturday was a very frosty morning and I took
advantage early on and got some shots!

Be patient the HAWK part is coming...

First, Mr. C looked stunning on the branch
with the frosty background.

And the sparrow was peeking out of his ice
covered bush.

these are the seed pods of the Rose of Sharon bush.

The ice that formed looked like a fern like leaf.

The sky was a beautiful blue and the pine trees and
bushes were all covered in frost.


Mr. squirrel seems to be asking what I'm doing out
here so early with my camera.

Later that afternoon

The most exciting catch was a Coopers Hawk in the field
behind my house snatching a dove for dinner. Never underestimate
the Sony H9 camera and the far reach it has.
I was atleast 150 yards away. With the help of
picasa and some cropping and editing I was able to
bring it in a little closer.

I could not see the dove close enough to witness it's
struggle, but the Cooper was holding on tight.

Patience is a virtue and waiting it out is of no consequence.

It's wings would go up and down during this time.

Here, he turned and the dove outstretched it's wing... the
hawk ready for lift off.

Last shot before he flew up and away.

Another siting on Sunday evening was a Red Tail Hawk
in front of the Veterans Home. I see this hawk often.
It's always on the same pole, that is until you try to
stop and get a picture.

That is when the chase is on...and I decided to
to follow it on this day.

It flew to other side of the Veterans Home and landed in
a tree. By the time I got there it was getting ready to fly
again.

I was able to get just close enough for this shot...my best
of the chase. It was still too far away.

It then returned to a pole turning to watch me.

I can't believe I could spot him
this high up and far away. You get used to
looking at all the poles when hunting and
recognize the 'hawk' silhouette.

My last Hawk Sighting was the little Sharp Shin high
up in the tree in my yard. He is a cute little hawk. Loves
to troll my yard for song birds.

Backyard Birding

Sometimes when you are least expecting it....
You see something different in the back yard.
I was returning from a quick trip to the bank
pulling into the driveway I saw this
bird fly into a tree. It sure looked like a hawk,
but was so small.

I'm sure he was searching for breakfast, and kept
flying from one place to another. The sharpie feeds
mostly on birds and I had filled the feeders for
the many song birds I get. I'm sure my place looked
like a 'birdie' McDonald's.

As you can see when he landed on the roof of my shed....
He is about the size of blue jay. (excuse the blur)

In this shot you can see his beautiful slate gray back
and the dark and light gray on his tail.

As quickly as he came , he was gone. But I was happy
to get such a shot in my own backyard!

A Birding we shall go........

Two Friends a go a birding...
Before we even get
out of my driveway my friend spots a hawk at the
very top of the hill above my house. I managed two shots.
one resting....

One flying looking like a phantom

Bedford County lends itself to scenic country farms , covered
bridges and rolling farmland. I can't help but capture it
with the camera. A Farm along old Route 220 looks
picture perfect with it's own covered bridge.

As we near Bedford the old C.R. Pencil barn
dating back to July 1920 greets us.

Shawnee State Park has some gorgeous landscape
and a bench to rest on.

I am capturing a flock of Canadian Geese looking
for some open water. They did not land... it was all frozen.

My friend pointed out this tree. Doesn't it look
like the face of a girl?

After tiring of Shawnee I called my Niece's husband, Jeff
to assist us in some birding hot spots.
This barn was in Snake Spring twp.

I couldn't resist this horse and buggy. Jeff says they
come out on Sunday afternoons.

Here you see it all.... horse, buggy, dog, cow, barn... a way
of life few of us really know or appreciate.

Well finally............we do see a male kestrel on a wire with a
mouse in his talons.

I was excited because this is not a bird I see often.

Yellow creek is a beautiful setting for some ducks and we
did see a kingfisher but he was too faraway for a picture.

This is just a domestic duck..... but I was fascinated with
the black and white pattern on his feathers.

The catch of the day must have been this female red tail hawk.

go here for a look at the map of Snake Spring Twp. Bedford County

http://maps.google.com/maps?q=Snake+Spring,+PA,+United+States+of+America&ie=UTF8&ll=
40.081749,-78.408051&spn=0.215402,0.466919&z=11&om=0

Thanks Jeff for your expertise in birding!!