If there is a fortunate side effect to all of the tree trimming going on in the neighborhood these days, it is the addition to our backyard brush pile. I asked the tree service to leave all the smaller limbs. With so much habitat loss in the neighborhood, the drought, and no acorns, it seems particularly crucial to give the neighborhood wildlife at least a little extra protection. This morning, the mourning doves let me know the safe space is most appreciated. Click on picture to enlarge.
Cooper’s hawks and sharp-shinned hawks look very much alike. I’m going to go with Cooper’s on this beauty. She stopped by the yard today to scare off the little birds. Fortunately for the little birds at the feeder, and unfortunately for her, her surprise attack yielded no results. Everyone remained on edge until she left. She flew over to the neighbor’s and watched a bush where cardinals often hang out, but no luck. I felt sorry for her. She looked frustrated and hungry as she took off into the wooded area. Click on pictures to enlarge.
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
The huge and very old nearby eagles’ nest is now being used by Canada geese (smart geese!). The drought we have been in is sadly very apparent when looking at the area around this nest that used to be completely covered with water. For me, this nest is like a kind of magical symbol of the return of bald eagles. Click on pictures to enlarge.
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
Here is what it looked like when we first started visiting. Click on picture to enlarge.
© Chris Taylor
The eagle couple built a new nest not far from the old one. I wonder if they saw this dry season coming and decided they had better move to a place less accessible to those who do not swim. They may have also finally tired of all the noise and trash brought by those hunting and fishing in the area. Every time I went to watch, I found tons of trash. I found shell casings, fishing line, empty food containers, a couple of busted up old televisions, and of course, beer cans. Anyway, the new nest is super cool, and super high. I’m definitely not going to tell anyone where it is. 🙂
© Chris Taylor
While I haven’t been out as much as I would like, I love seeing the arrival of our wintering friends. Bald eagles from the north are beginning to arrive and the harriers seem to be swooping low over fields everywhere I look. I saw my first group of common goldeneyes last week (there is definitely nothing common about them; they are beautiful). Young deer are looking much more grownup than a few months ago. Click on pictures to enlarge.
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor
© Chris Taylor