Hoo, Two.

I have been wondering for a while why Screech Owls look a certain way. Often, I see them with rounded heads and other times they seem to have longer, more pointed "ears".

This was prompted by a close series of shots that I was able to capture over the past week or so. The first was the discovery of an owl during the day in the front yard. You can find those images here.

Then, there was a ruckus out back once night fell. Sounded like a bird chirping but that would be odd. Being night, and all.

I stepped out to explore and figured that the noises were actually Flying Squirrels giving distress calls. Hmmm. As my eyes grew more accustomed to the dark, I could make out a shape perched on one of the feeder poles.

I ran in for the camera, thinking I knew what it was, and rushed back out in time to get one shot of the visitor.



Yes! Another Screech Owl! Possibly the same from the previous post. If so, it had a rounded head.

Researching this difference I find that Screech Owls raise their 'ears' during the day while sitting in trees or bushes. It is thought that this is to help them blend in with their surrounding better. At night they do not need this disguise so they relax those feathers.

Interesting.

And...Relax...

Why, relax? The Winter Birds are gathering. Now I can stop staring over my shoulder when I drive the boys to school. Waiting for that first sighting of new ducks on the lake.

Today, there were 5 Ring-necked Ducks and 3 American Coots on Lake Davis.

This year, the lake levels are back to normal for the first time in quite a while. Hopefully, that will mean more ducks than the past couple years.

Let the flocking begin!

Another Year, Another Say's Sighting

We now have records of the Say's Phoebe for 3 years straight. Technically a Western bird, this individual has been showing up for at least the past 3 years at the same field. Someday I hope to arrive when it is near the road. Every time I get there it is halfway out in the the field on the midway fence.

Always looks like this.



Doesn't help that I always seem to get out there during rainy or excessively overcast days. One day I might show up when it is able to fly more freely. Especially, considering the heavy Kestrel occupation.

So, I headed out toward home by way of Lust Road to see if anything was happening there. Like Ranch Road, many, many Kestrels. I just wish that they were not so skittish. I barely got this shot.



The only bird not paying attention to the Kestrels were the many Loggerhead Shrikes. This shot is actually through the side window in the gloom.



One more bird before the toll road. I found 2 Western Kingbirds up on the wires along Harmon Road. One stayed long enough for a shot.



More Winter birds to arrive. Can't wait!

Hoo Is It?

So, I was just minding my business trying to clean out the closet and got caught up reviewing old photos. Nothing new there but there was a strange series of calls coming from the front of the house. Soon, I could make out Blue Jays making alarm calls. I grabbed the binoculars and rushed outside.

Jays were calling loudly. Gnatcatchers were flying in to add their cries. Cardinals swooped in, chipping wildly. An unidentified warbler hovered on the far side of the bushes. Something had to be in there. I circled around and searched. Eventually I found the subject of their distress.



An Eastern Screech Owl! I have posted shots of them before but those were all at night. They are much harder to find resting during the day. Unless you can get some help from the local birds.



The bush is so tangled with branches that it was very difficult to get any clear shots but I kept trying.



One last shot as my oldest son arrived and I showed him our new guest. The owl is actually looking at him.



The owl stayed in the bush for a couple of hours. I could see its shadowy shape tucked in between the branches from inside the house. By the time I headed out for groceries just before dark I noticed it had left.

Off to find food like me, no doubt.

Tennessee Warbler

I was busy filling the feeders before I woke the boys for school. It was just getting light and I noticed some movement in the Beauty Berry bush out back. The Mockingbirds have been there lately but this seemed smaller.

I ran back in for the camera and got a few not-so-great shots to make an ID when I had time. After looking through them I was still a bit stumped so I emailed some friends and they all came to the same conclusion.

I had a new Yard Bird. A Tennessee Warbler!



It seemed to be picking off bugs from the branches rather than actually feeding on the berries.



One last try before it ducks into the foliage.



Soon after I got those poor shots I noticed several other birds joining the model subject. More Tennessee Warblers. They all flew off together and I did not see anymore afterward. So much for hoping for clearer shots but a nice way to start the day.

Cooper's Hawk Surprise

Yeah, I heard the Blue Jays squawking. I decided they are lately just chasing out another hawk and I rarely see the object of scorn so I sat tight. Then I headed through the kitchen about 15 minutes later.

Since I can see down the hallway that leads out to the backyard on this trip I always glance out to my left and , LO!, a Cooper's Hawk was sitting on the fire bowl! Ran to get the camera and caught the first shot through the screened back window.



I was about to walk outside when it suddenly began flying low over the yard and then settled on the back feeder area.



I bet it was chasing my Carolina Wrens by the way it started at the fire bowl, the Wren's favorite haunt, then kept low to the ground. Doesn't seem it was successful and then got tired of my approach. It then flew in extended circles overhead and finally took off.

Exciting!

Lake Lotus, September 20th, 2009

Common Yellowthroats were majority of the day's birds. We also had our first Black-throated Blue Warbler of the season and other bird.

See the latest Lake Lotus blog to view our latest report.

Getting antsy awaiting peak of migration!