Monday, November 20, 2006

My Bird Photo Contribution

Teeth were chattering today. The skies were shades of gray and muted blue, the clouds were dark and low, and the wind blew right through ya. I couldn't wrap my jacket close enough for comfort. For a while this afternoon, the clouds blended into a solid gray sky and it looked like snow. The winds calmed and the stillness made you shiver and look up and around for a snowflake. The atmosphere you breathe has a blueish hue and you can smell the snow! I live in Charlotte now where Mother Nature is just a tease most of the time. I miss seeing a snowfall and the childhood feelings of wonder that come with it. After all of my years, I feel as excited as a child who is hoping for "no school tomorrow!", until I need to drive to work in the mess.


I had no intention of creating a post today since my camera is charging and I don't have an idea. But a few minutes ago I received this photo embedded in an e-mail forward. Cute..."What are YOU lookin' at?"

Name That Bird!

Susan...are you there?

11 comments:

The Swami said...

The bird that is pictured (and I am sure that Susan would agree) is undoubtedly the rare and elusive inverted-headed loon.

No really, it is not necessary to thank me for my expert help.

Mary said...

Swami: Susan will set you straight. Good try :)

LauraHinNJ said...

Hmmmm... his neck must be sore!

Susan Gets Native said...

That's a merlin, one of our smaller falcons. And a cute one at that!

LauraHinNJ said...

Susan are you sure - he doesn't look dark enough? I was thinking kestral, but he looks sort of big?

Anonymous said...

I thought Cooper's or sharpie, but that cheek bar makes me think merlin too.

I'm looking foreward to snow too but I'll be wanting to slap myself for saying that come February!

Anonymous said...

I am thinking that the swami might be on the right track for identification but it really looks more like a raptor in need of my chiropractor. Mary bite your tongue about the snow!!! I still have to deal with that phenomenon and am not looking forward to this winter weather. If you need a shot or two of it there is an available guest room here in Stewartsown for those pining for the white stuff. you are always welcome to come walk my dogs in the stuff!

Mary said...

I miss SEEING a beautiful snowfall but I don't miss LIVING in it! We sold the snow blower when we left DE hoping never to need one again. But I hear Charlotte does get snowed on occasionally, usually in the form of ICE, which is worse.

Susan Gets Native said...

It's definitely a merlin. Too big to be a kestrel. And kestrels don't have those "bloomers". I have seen pictures of merlins that are both lighter and darker than that one.
Nice try, Swami. Stick to yaks.

LauraHinNJ said...

Okay Susan - thanks.

Bloomers = merlin

I'll remember that!

Mary said...

Thanks to everyone for your birding expertise! Susan nailed it.