March Birds

 Spring is almost here, and I am grateful for the promise of nicer weather. My photo opportunities have been limited to birds. This winter wren is one that I spotted a few days ago...

This black-capped chickadee would not hold still...

A black vulture posed on a fence post...

This white-throated sparrow was puffed up against the cold...

The most exciting experience happened when I spotted a barred owl on a limb...

The owls in this area are used to birders looking at them...

This one decided to offer me a good look...

The final image was taken when it flew so close that my lens could not maintain focus...

This is the most unusual encounter I have had with an owl yet!

Thanks for visiting, be well, and come back soon.

Roller Coaster Weather

 Like much of the country, our recent weather has been unsettled. This beautiful farm, built in 1875, made a charming snow scape one day...

and was shrouded in fog not too long after...

In a nearby field, I encountered a red-shouldered hawk...

It had just caught a vole...

Next, I found clear evidence that a pileated woodpecker was in the area...

While parked on the side of the road I was entertained by this wood thrush...

and this Eastern fox squirrel...

Below is an iron truss bridge built around 1876...

Some shadows make interesting patterns on the snow...

Finally, when I checked a trail camera on the edge of our yard, I discovered this image of ten gobblers...

Thanks for visiting, be well, and come back soon.

Day After Freezing Rain

 I took a short drive the morning after...

This bluebird looks like he is blaming me for the ice...

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THE PROMISE OF TRACKS IN THE SNOW

 The recent cold weather and fresh snow revealed the exciting possibility of an otter sighting on a small stream...

Otters leave distinctive tracks in snow due to their tendency to take a few steps and slide when the conditions are right...

Due to their mainly nocturnal activities, many don't realize that otters live practically in their backyards. The following are images that I was lucky enough to capture during the day...

I have encountered otters in large lakes and small farm ponds...

When there are more than one, it is usually a family group like the next images of an adult teaching the young to find food by turning over rocks in Pacific Creek...

They are very adept at catching fish and can hold their breath for up to eight minutes...

My favorite place to see them is on small creeks, where they are likely to be close enough for a decent photo...

It will require a great deal of luck, but I intend to keep looking for the one who left these tracks...

Thaks for visiting, be well, and come back soon.

Random Photos from the Shoe Box of Memories

 In no particular order...

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