A continuing post to my field trip on Friday proves that I don’t know squat! The trail was long and I snapped away without taking notes, so when I uploaded my photos to Flickr this evening, I referenced the trail map that the Raptor Center provided as a timeline for me. I soon realized that due to flooding that day, I was all over the place on the trail and didn’t pay attention… Ooops. Now I am lost. I don' know what I'm calling what! Photographing raptors behind wire mesh and fencing is a challenge behind the camera, so click to enlarge, if you wish. I saw so much – at least twenty-five or thirty different species birds and most of the photos were not good. The eagles looked nice on my previous post, though, and I’m happy about that.
Every raptor had a description of its history with the Raptor Center. I wish I had been able to photograph this small bird with good results.
This is “One Eyed Jack”. Poor thing. He has plenty of roommates to brighten his day, though.
Barred Owls. Incredible.
The history of the Carolina Raptor Center. While I was reading this, I met a delightful lady volunteer. She was tending to the aviaries and told me how much she loves volunteering, especially transporting injured raptors. The highlight of her volunteer hours is transporting them back for a release after healing. How good does that sound? They need volunteer help in every area and my application will be sent soon. I don't have much spare time but I'm willing to devote a few hours a month where they need me.
This is my favorite bird on the trail. So pretty! Can I provide an ID? Nope.
Perhaps a Cooper’s Hawk? Another possible zero.
Long-eared Owl. Cute. I'd love to feel those little ears.
How about a Turkey Vulcher? “Here’s lookin’ atcha, handsome!” Not in the huggable or kissable category, by any means. Eckk. Now I'm wondering why I didn't put a full zoom on that mug.
American Kestrel or Mississippi Kite. I am so screwed up. I’d love to take some time to research this one, but my loads of laundry are calling me… We’re running out of socks around here.
This weekend was bad for being outdoors. The wind tore me up. Our temperatures dropped from 68 degrees yesterday to 25 degrees overnight. I rescued this poor, confused frog from the pond skimmer today. It took him a while to warm up in the sun and gain consciousness before he traveled to his favorite spot.
The raptors are fascinating but it would be more thrilling to see them in the wild as opposed to seeing them in captivity. Great birds, but me still loves ma little bewds! The only bird photo of the weekend.
Note to self: when with camera, clip hair back during gusty winds.
This post exhausted me...I'm happy to click "publish"!
The End.
17 comments:
Our weather did the same here today - near fifty yesterday and near freezing with 50 mph winds today. Sorry for your bullfrog - where does he usually hang out? Mine seem to prefer the skimmer for some reason.
On to the raptors - I think you did great! The one you call your favorite is a peregrine falcon - love them! The other that I'm pretty sure of that you call a an american kestral or missippi kite is a merlin - see how very dark he is?
I'll leave the buteos to Susan or someone else to decipher.
Love the pic of the three Barred Owls all in a row. See no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil... !
Laura, that peregrine falcon is gorgeous. I love the way all of them stared at me. My frogs live under rocks near the waterfall. When the weather warms, they venture out. This one ventured out during a notable drop in temperature and was stunned, I think. I check my skimmer every day during summer, too. They like it in there...weird.
These birds are so magnificent. It's a thrill to stand close to their wild hearts.
Still, I'm loving your chickadee picture and the fact that you take the time to rescue a chilly frog and post a picture of his humble visage.
Okay...
Yes, that is a Harris.
And yes, that is a broad-winged.
Then, peregrine, Cooper's hawk and merlin.
You didn't do too bad.
It makes me think of doing a post about IDing raptors.
Hmmm.
I am so glad you applied to volunteer! If you can answer one pick up call a month, that will help!
Those are great pictures, Mary. I'm so glad you rescued the frog!
I bet you would love the Beartooth Nature Center. They have quite a few raptors there and many other animals that can't be released back into the wild.
How wonderful Mary! Such delightful shots of the beautiful raptors. Looks like a great place to volunteer for sure.
Mary, thank you for your trip through your RAPTOR center - how interesting! I feel bad for the bewds being caged, too. Congratulations on volunteering! I think volunteer work provides so many rewards as you probably already know!
Glad you rescued your frog in time! It has been very windy here, too. Typical March! I know what you mean about posting like this wearing you out.
Oh, I hope Susan Gets Native does a post on IDing raptors. I see a peregrine fairly regularly in my neighborhood, no less. And also see red tail hawks sitting on lamp posts along the highways--so opportunistic.
Mary, I know what you mean about posting being exhausting, especially with lots of photos. I have taken to putting the photos on first, in reverse order--that is, starting with the last photo. Then I interweave my writing between the photos. Seems to work for me.
Thanks for taking us along on the raptor trail.
Looks like everyone had covered your raptor reviews! Mary, been there and done that where I forget my notebook! I sure hope you get the opportunity to do some volunteering with them!! Then imagine all the great photos you will be able to capture! BTW: Great pictures, I also love the shot with the three Barred Owls!
You get an A for effort, my dear! Raptors are HARD! :) I will often look up and see one and say, "Yup. It's a hawk!" Good enough for me. I'm still learning and not afraid to admit it.
I love Turkey Vultures though -- after being within a few feet of one in the wild who just sat there and let me photo him -- yes, they are ugly but they are really cool too.
Wow! I have really enjoyed those raptors photos! You did a good job! I also love so much the trail's picture!
Cathy, I'm always lookin' out for my frogs :o) !
Susan, think about the raptor ID post. That would be great.
Laurie, thanks for that link. I view it more in depth after work.
Jayne, glad to enjoyed them.
Pam, I don't deal very well with high winds. I get chapped and old-looking.
Donna, I work the same way. Load photos first in last to first order. Then I past my text from a word doc at the end of the photos - then drag and click my photos in place. It was particularly hard last night when I didn't know one bird from another :)
Mon@rch, next time I'll remember notes...duh. The volunteer application process takes a while.
Liza, I think the peregrine and the turkey vulcher were my favs, but the eagles were outstanding.
Sonia, glad you enjoyed it. I had a great time sloshing around in the floods.
Mary what a terrific way you chose to spend a Friday afternoon! The pictures turned out great! I'm not yet able to ID too many raptors either. I sure enjoyed my trip away from my desk for a few moments this morning!
I keep meaning to ask, what kind of camera do you use! You take beautiful pictures, you have an artist's soul.
Dorothy, thank you. I use a Kodak EasyShare with 12x optical plus 4x digital zoom. It's very easy and non-complicated for a beginner like me. The camera does more than I am interesting in learning, at this point :)
I just saw the nest of some local (Boston) red-tailed hawks. It is on the walk I take with my dog. I will be watching it.
nice raptor pics! I have focused all my studying on songbirds, so my raptor IDs are usually pretty shaky at best, but that's okay with me. I loves me bewds too.
Um, that one you're calling a Cooper's hawk is actually an adult red-shouldered hawk.
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