Suffered a huge loss today. The Great Horned Owl nest that I have been following likely fell victim to the powerful wind storm last night. Wind speeds reached at least 58 mph. No adult Great horned Owls could be located at the site, and there were broken eggs under the nest being picked over by Crows in the morning. Nature is a cruel mother, but life goes on for some. I made it out to Reinstein Woods today and was greeted by a fast moving flock of about 6 Eastern Bluebirds. I wasn't able to snap pics, but a family was feeding Black-capped Chickadees as I walked by, and one landed on my finger for a nice cell phone pic. Other species noted were Tufted Titmouse, American Tree Sparrow, Dark-eyed Junco, Red-tailed Hawk, American Crow, Downy Woodpecker, Red-headed Woodpecker, and Gray Squirrel. My intention was to check on the Great Horned Owl's nest there and make sure it didn't fall victim to the same fate as my local nest. I continued on and located the roosting mate in the usual Hemlock tree as I approached. I grabbed a few photos, and watched the other parent on the nearby nest for few minutes before heading towards the Eastern Screech Owl roost. I scored big there as well, and made it to work just in time! I also included a picture from the day before of the American Kestrel I usually find at Times Beach, just a little ways down the street on a light pole.
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Rick BacherI like murderous birds and the things they kill. Archives
August 2015
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