Just Saying Hello

Taking a little unexpected break. I had what I am sure was pneumonia  for a couple of weeks and now six of us have gone through a wicked stomach virus., two ended up with  Strep and one ended up in the ER. Crazy start to the new year. I hope everyone is staying well. I can't wait for Spring!

Since I haven't been able to take anything new, here are a couple of shots from last year's ice storm that didn't make the cut for the blog:

 

  

And one that did...

Getting Closer

My hawk friend is starting to get a little more tolerant of me after several encounters over the past week or so. Seems he finally got the crows off his back and I went outside this morning to find two bluejays giving him a hard time. This guy swooped down and nipped at his wings. That is one brave bluejay! The hawk is looking at him like, "Seriously?!"

I am using my 50-200mm lens and so far he hasn't been close enough to get a really good shot, but I'm sure I'll get him soon now that I am getting familiar with his feeding times and patterns. =) Looks like this guy is some type of buteo. Probably a young red-tailed hawk.

Sunshine For The Soul

I thought we could all use a little sunshine. I pulled these from a folder taken a couple of summers ago. I guess they never made the first cut. =) I can't wait to see color like this again!

 

 

"Flowers always make people better, happier, and more helpful;

they are sunshine, food and medicine for the soul."

~Luther Burbank

Ice Ice Baby

Bird Season

Winter is the perfect time to chase the birds with my camera. They can't hide behind the leaves and they are all too eager to get to the feeders. I also love it in early spring when the buds have emerged. It makes a beautiful backdrop for bird photos.

I have been chasing this little woodpecker for a couple of days now. I finally got a shot of him, but I will keep trying for a better one.

You might remember how much I loved the hawks that visited my old house. I had one crazy Coop who would let me practically walk up to him. I was so excited the day we were over here cleaning and getting ready to move in the new house. I saw a hawk in the back tree. He is around frequently, but unfortunately I rarely get close to him because he is harrassed and run off by the giant crows. They dive at him and nip at his wings. While I was chasing the bluejays today, I heard a racket and looked up to see this overhead: