| Author | Content |
beckygardener
(Becky) in Sebastian, FL
(Zone 10a)
June 3, 2007
9:25 PM Post #3571238
| I know this isn't the bird forum, but ...
I was out watering my garden beds and it was getting dark. Suddenly, I heard something on the fence and heard this low cooing sound. Looked over and what do ya know... it was an OWL! Wowee... I was so excited! So slowly walked back to the house to get my camera. When I came back out it was gone. So went back to finish my watering with camera in hand hoping to see it again. Sure enough, as soon as I got near the fence, it flew back and perched for me... and posed! LOL!
Boy! Am I ever stoked!!! But wait ... there is more!
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beckygardener
(Becky) in Sebastian, FL
(Zone 10a)
June 3, 2007
9:27 PM Post #3571243
| And then it allowed me to get closer.
I was so thrilled that I couldn't hold the camera still. Sorry this photo is a bit blurry. Cute, isn't it?! :-) :-) :-)
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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beckygardener
(Becky) in Sebastian, FL
(Zone 10a)
June 3, 2007
9:29 PM Post #3571251
| It then flew over to the bird feeder. So I walked slowly over to keep from scaring it. And took another photo from below the feeder. 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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beckygardener
(Becky) in Sebastian, FL
(Zone 10a)
June 3, 2007
9:32 PM Post #3571260
| But wait ... here is the kicker...
While I was standing there taking photos of the owl on the bird feeder, I heard more wings flapping. I looked up and saw 2 more owls on my power line just about 8 feet up! They were following each other. One seemed a little unsteady. I think this might have been either sibling owls or mom & dad owl teaching their baby to fly and hunt at night!
Isn't that the coolest thing!!!
I so love going out in my yard at night! Ya just never know what you'll see! Way cool, indeedie!
This message was edited Jun 3, 2007 9:59 PM
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DonnaB
Vancleave, MS
(Zone 8b)
June 3, 2007
9:41 PM Post #3571297
| oh how cool Becky. I had one come sit in one of my potted plants on the porch one night at my old home. Think is was after the Sphinx Moth that was there. Funny for living up in the middle of the woods now I haven't heard any owls |
fly_girl
The Woodlands, TX
(Zone 8b)
June 3, 2007
9:47 PM Post #3571334
| Sweeeeet! They're beautiful!
I hope those little mice see them too! |
Redtootsiepop
Livermore, CA
(Zone 9b)
June 3, 2007
9:59 PM Post #3571397
| AWESOME - I just had to show those pictures to my whole family ... "you know the lady I told you about that is waiting for a humminbird to visit... well, she has owls!" so fantastic !!! Let us know if you see them again - how great that you got pictures. |
beckygardener
(Becky) in Sebastian, FL
(Zone 10a)
June 3, 2007
10:43 PM Post #3571822
| Thanks y'all for enjoying them as much as me! I showed my family the photos and they were all bummed that they didn't come out into the backyard to see them while they were there.
Rox - I noticed when I finished up watering the 3-tiered herb bed that a mouse ran out of it and down along the bottom of the fence to exit. I wonder if the owl saw the mouse in that bed and that is why it was perched on the fence close by. And of course the other 2 came to help! LOL!
That's good. It will help keep the mouse population down. I saw 5 at the feeder a few days ago. Too many for me to feel warm and fuzzy about.
And I don't know if I told y'all, but I found a "body" in the birdie water bowl underneath the feeder a few days ago. I can not be sure what it was. It looked like a rodent, but not sure if it was a mouse or a squirrel. It was plucked bare of fur, except a tuff at the end of it's tail and the head was missing. It was gross! I removed it with a shovel and tossed it over the fence for whatever wanted to eat what was left. Maybe a hawk got it and then accidentally dropped it or an owl. Ah ha! Who knows?! |
TexasPuddyPrint
Edinburg, TX
June 3, 2007
11:18 PM Post #3571968
| WOW!!! That is awesome!!! I can't believe you were able to get so many photos and that the other owls joined in.
I hadn't seen an owl for years...but was at the ranch last weekend and Dad told me there was a nest in an old deer blind. Nosy as I am I climbed up the rungs and opened the door to peek inside.
The parents heard me when I was having trouble with the door latch and flew out of the windows so I wasn't able to get a photo of them...but they are white screech owls.
Here's one of the babies...and three eggs. It's not as good looking at yours perched on the fence...that's for sure!!!!
Way too much bird poop and dead rodents in the deer blind...UGH!!! I just took photos from the door while I stood on the rungs. Did not want to get too close. DOUBLE UGH!!!
~ Cat
This message was edited Jun 3, 2007 10:19 PM
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Redtootsiepop
Livermore, CA
(Zone 9b)
June 4, 2007
1:36 AM Post #3572269
| okay, yes alot of ickies, but still nice shot TX~ |
beckygardener
(Becky) in Sebastian, FL
(Zone 10a)
June 4, 2007
7:11 AM Post #3572509
| Cat - A great shot of their nesting area!!!! The mice look like what I get in my yard at the bird feeder.
Just curious... I see a baby bird that looks to be a few days old (I can see some fuzz on it, not totally naked) and 3 eggs. I'm surprised the other babies hadn't hatched as well. Could you tell if the eggs were still good?
The teacher I work with said that she had a small nest in her yard on the SIDE of a pine tree. This was earlier in May. She could see a baby bird peeking it's head out. The nest was about 12 feet from the ground. Unfortunately, the baby fell to it's death and the parents left shortly thereafter. My friend was crushed. She had been watching the parents and the nest for weeks with great expectation.
Looking at the spacious nest in the deer blind at the ranch, you certainly don't have to worry about that. Perhaps predators such as raccoons or such, but certainly not being pushed out of the nest by siblings or accidentally falling out. You'll have to climb up there again and take some more photos each weekend. That would be cool to see their progress and growth. |
TexasPuddyPrint
Edinburg, TX
June 4, 2007
8:46 AM Post #3572693
| I don't know much about owls but Dad said each egg will hatch a few days or a week after each other. Said by the time the last one has hatched the first is a good enough size to hog all the food...bummer. I didn't check them this past weekend...but will try to remember to take a peak the next. Perhaps by then there'll be three little scrawny looking birds in the nest.
...and yes...way too many dead rodents...the floor of the blind was full of them...UGH!!! Dad said the bird carry some type of insect/bugs akin to dog fleas...but more along the blood sucking beetle family??? I didn't want to get too close - lest I have bugs jumping into my hair! :o)
~ Cat |
debnes_dfw_tx
Fort Worth, TX
(Zone 8a)
June 5, 2007
7:56 AM Post #3577067
| Becky I am so thrilled about your owls!!
Cat, That's an amazin nest site.. Did the owl bring those rodents there? or did they kill and bring them there? You were good not to get too close. (eeekers)
:-D |
beckygardener
(Becky) in Sebastian, FL
(Zone 10a)
June 5, 2007
10:13 AM Post #3578004
| Thanks, Deb! I haven't seen them return. Probably raised their baby and left. But I do still have mice!!! lol! So maybe they will return! |
asafla
Palm Harbor, FL
(Zone 9b)
June 5, 2007
7:12 PM Post #3579894
| Those are a bunch of cool pictures Ladies! Thanks for the peek at your nature!!
Adrienne |
gardenpom
Melbourne, FL
(Zone 9b)
June 5, 2007
7:18 PM Post #3579924
| Fantastic Becky...I have NEVER seen an owl, let alone three at a time! This certainly helps make up for a lack of hummers. |
wind
Mount Laurel, NJ
(Zone 6b)
June 7, 2007
7:34 AM Post #3585831
| Wow, great owl pics!! The other night I heard fluttering of a larger scale in our large white pine and thought it was probably an owl. We hear them periodically. But I am so blind at night I would never have seen it!...wish I had better night vision!
~D.Wind |
Loonie1
Rowlett, TX
(Zone 8a)
June 7, 2007
3:12 PM Post #3587417
| Becky, what fabulous pictures!! I have seen Great Horned Owls a time or two in my backyard, though it's incredibly rare. I do have bats flitting about every night. Anyhooo, I wonder if your owls like Cuban Tree Frogs? :-)
Carla |
beckygardener
(Becky) in Sebastian, FL
(Zone 10a)
June 7, 2007
3:54 PM Post #3587555
| Thanks, y'all! Unfortunately, I haven't seen the owl family since. :-(
Carla - I wish they did eat CTF and would eat every last one!!!! |
TexasPuddyPrint
Edinburg, TX
June 9, 2007
8:07 PM Post #3596298
| Here's an update on the owls in the deer blind behind the house at the ranch. One of the chicks is quite big, there is a second much smaller chick that probably hatched last week. I only saw one other egg...although they started out as four. Really didn't look into the nest too closely as it stinks!!! Too much bird poo, bird barf and dead varmits.
~ Cat
Ah...the face only a mother could love :o)
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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TexasPuddyPrint
Edinburg, TX
June 9, 2007
8:08 PM Post #3596305
| The second smaller chick in the background. 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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TexasPuddyPrint
Edinburg, TX
June 9, 2007
8:09 PM Post #3596313
| The mama or papa owl flying out when I had a friend rattle the deer blind door while I stood ready with camera!
~ Cat
p.s. Am thinking they are barn owls and not white screech owls...I need to check my bird book.
This message was edited Jun 9, 2007 7:42 PM
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gardenpom
Melbourne, FL
(Zone 9b)
June 9, 2007
8:24 PM Post #3596379
| Owl-mazing shots! |
Redtootsiepop
Livermore, CA
(Zone 9b)
June 9, 2007
8:35 PM Post #3596426
| WIOW !!!! those are amazing pictures, thanks for sharing, ... wow they get much prettier as they grow up! |
beckygardener
(Becky) in Sebastian, FL
(Zone 10a)
June 9, 2007
9:52 PM Post #3596686
| Cat - Those photos are awesome! What a great opportunity to peek into the lives of owls! Boy! What luck!!!! Thanks for going back and taking more photos! I hope you are able to continue doing that until the babies fly the coop! They'll probably come back next year and do it all over again! :-) |
pelletory
Marlton, NJ
June 9, 2007
10:46 PM Post #3596913
| Wow, all amazing pics, I truly mean it.
In the future would you possibly consider posting these types of pics at the Bird Watching Forum? Its been quite slow over there lately and those folks would also apprecite seeing them. Thank You.
Again, great pics! |
fly_girl
The Woodlands, TX
(Zone 8b)
June 9, 2007
10:50 PM Post #3596925
| Great pics Cat!
I'm surprised the nest is so dirty. Whenever I open my birdhouses after the babies are gone, it's very clean and tidy. |
BlueGlancer
South/Central, FL
(Zone 9a)
June 9, 2007
11:12 PM Post #3597008
| Fantastic pictures. Thanks for showing them. : ) |
TexasPuddyPrint
Edinburg, TX
June 10, 2007
12:25 AM Post #3597189
| Ohhhhhh...that deer blind is filthy!!! Guess since it's closed up with only that window partially opened and the young chicks too small to fly - all the food the parents bring in has to get pooped out :o) I didn't see as many varmits in there this time...am assuming the bigger chick now eats the whole thing. If they were in a nest in a tree then the poop and varmit remnants would most likely get pushed out of the nest...but with the deer blind...it doesn't have anywhere to go but the floor.
Will try to take updated photos each weekend I go out there.
~ Cat |
IrisLover79
Westchester, IL
(Zone 5b)
June 10, 2007
7:51 PM Post #3599784
| Cat, yep, you've got Barn Owls. The 1st pic of the bigger baby is hilarious! It doesn't even look like a bird, it looks like a monkey or Sasquatch, LOL! Don't the wings look like long arms? LOL! Thanks for the wonderful pix (and going near the nastiness to get them, lol), I really enjoyed them!
~Kris
edited to say - I meant a Yeti (cause it's white), not Sasquatch, lol.
This message was edited Jun 10, 2007 6:54 PM |
IrisLover79
Westchester, IL
(Zone 5b)
June 10, 2007
7:52 PM Post #3599790
| Oh yeah, and Becky, your owl pix are great, too! I would've been so excited, so I totally understand shaky hands!
~Kris... nature is cool Ü
edited to say - that last pic you posted would make a great Halloween decoration!
This message was edited Jun 10, 2007 6:55 PM |
beckygardener
(Becky) in Sebastian, FL
(Zone 10a)
June 10, 2007
9:57 PM Post #3600203
| Thanks, Kris! It was definitely a thrill to see and be that close to them! I haven't seen them since, but I am glad I managed to get some photos!
I love Cat's baby owl photos! Awesome, indeed!!!! |
TexasPuddyPrint
Edinburg, TX
June 17, 2007
12:21 AM Post #3624508
| Here's an update on the owlets. The older one doesn't look so big anymore now that the the little bugger is catching up. There is still one egg that hasn't hatched and no signs of what was the fourth egg.
The older owlet is in the background...it's got more dark feathers.
~ Cat
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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BlueGlancer
South/Central, FL
(Zone 9a)
June 17, 2007
12:41 AM Post #3624555
| I think God must have had some left over parts and pieces when he made those babies. LOL : ) |
beckygardener
(Becky) in Sebastian, FL
(Zone 10a)
June 17, 2007
9:35 AM Post #3625134
| ROFL! Only a mother could love them! Not the most attractive at that stage, but still kinda cute. To me they look like some sort of "antarctic" bird with all the white down. :-)
Interesting looking squirrels. Love those Tarantula spiders! Way cool!!!! Are they poisonous?
Glad to see more photos every week. Such an interesting topic. Ya got it going on at your place!!!
Here is one of my squirrels and one of the mice sharing breakfast this morning. They didn't even wait for me to go inside before scurrying out there. I got up an hour late and everybody was hungry. The birds were all lined up on the power line squawking at me. LOL! I can never sleep late ... (sheeesh)!
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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Redtootsiepop
Livermore, CA
(Zone 9b)
June 17, 2007
11:26 AM Post #3625449
| What great pictures ! the mouse and squirrel looked very healthy, did you just finish brushing them?
Cat - thanks for the updates on those owls, it's amazing to watch them grow. |
beckygardener
(Becky) in Sebastian, FL
(Zone 10a)
June 17, 2007
11:29 AM Post #3625460
| Yeah, Red ... they come over for their manicures and fur brushing after eating breakfast! ROFL!!! Healthy???!!! I am sure! Those rodents eat GOOD!!! I buy only the best! lol |
chris_lcf530
Peachtree City, GA
(Zone 7b)
June 17, 2007
11:34 AM Post #3625472
| becky,
The birds were waiting for you?
Do you feed the birds every morning?
What do you use as a feeder, that you fill everyday?
chris
|
fly_girl
The Woodlands, TX
(Zone 8b)
June 17, 2007
11:45 AM Post #3625499
| Haha...that is the biggest mouse I've ever seen! If he ever gets into it with that squirrel...my bets are on the mouse! |
Redtootsiepop
Livermore, CA
(Zone 9b)
June 17, 2007
10:21 PM Post #3627704
| Your right flygirl, no wonder Becky attracted those owls, she's got all the mice around her house fattened up ! ... and what with all the manicures and special shampoo & conditioner she puts on their furcoats I'd be surprised if they didn't come back. |
beckygardener
(Becky) in Sebastian, FL
(Zone 10a)
June 17, 2007
10:30 PM Post #3627740
| Hi Chris! I have my resident birds that come to my feeder every morning. They know that the food will be there at about 7:30 am every morning. But this morning, I didn't get out there until 8:30 am. I could hear them out there calling and knew they weren't happy campers. I have a pair of cardinals, a family of Bluejays (5 birds), several crows, 2 pigeons, and 2 woodpeckers. And an occasional visitor that I never know what they are. (I am still learning to ID the birds.) They literally wait in the trees surrounding my property or line up on the power line squawking or chirping until I get out there. And the squirrels and the mice wait out there too. The minute I go out into the yard everyone gets excited and it gets really noisy. And then there is the race to see who gets to the feeder first. It's crazy and funny to see all the action.
Rox - The squirrels spends a lot of time trying to chase the mice away. But if it is just one mouse, the squirrels will tolerate it. I usually have 4-5 squirrels and at least 2 mice (sometimes 4).
I am going to have to get a video of all the morning action. I can't describe it ... it's just one of those things you have to see to believe. LOL!
And all this for one feeder. HA!
Here is a photo of my post feeder. I usually just keep seed in the hanging open flat feeder, not as often for the top feeder. The crows and the bluejays love raw shelled peanuts. I think they believe that the bigger something is in the feeder the better. I use the nut and fruit mix that has already been removed from the shells. It's a no-waste mix. It smells like sweet cherries every time I open the bag. Yummy smelling!! And below the baffle is a squirrel feeder. On the ground is a bowl of water, and 2 dishes that I fill up with the same nut and fruit mix. The bowls are empty by the end of the day as they all come back periodically to eat. I am always looking out to see who is eating at the feeder.
Added to say: I took this photo during the hottest part of the day when all the critters were taking a break from eating. I have photos of my visitors at the feeder, but was lazy and found it easier to take a quick photo and post it rather than try to find a photo with visitor birds and rodents. :-)
This message was edited Jun 17, 2007 10:34 PM
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chris_lcf530
Peachtree City, GA
(Zone 7b)
June 17, 2007
11:10 PM Post #3627942
| great feeder, looks like you have a bit of everything out there. No wonder they get anxious when you sleep late. I am going to add a fruit/nut mix to my feeders. Always like to try something new to see what newbies come to the feeder.
Thanks for the pics,
chris |
beckygardener
(Becky) in Sebastian, FL
(Zone 10a)
June 17, 2007
11:14 PM Post #3627953
| You're welcome, Chris! Glad it gave you some ideas! :-) |
gardenpom
Melbourne, FL
(Zone 9b)
June 18, 2007
6:44 AM Post #3628508
| Hey, sleepyhead...I usually get my food out to the feeders at 6am, and there are birds waiting! Maybe they head down to your place after they eat here. |
beckygardener
(Becky) in Sebastian, FL
(Zone 10a)
June 18, 2007
10:06 AM Post #3628974
| gardenpom - ROTFL! Are you still getting your Painted Buntings? I haven't seen mine since late Fall/early winter. |
Redtootsiepop
Livermore, CA
(Zone 9b)
June 18, 2007
11:37 AM Post #3629375
| lol - Becky, I officially have another new "project" ... I have a perfect spot for a feeder like that ... my DH thanks you very much !
Right now we get gold finches, they are so cute, looks like a bunch of yellow canaries are flying all over the back yard. |
beckygardener
(Becky) in Sebastian, FL
(Zone 10a)
June 18, 2007
12:13 PM Post #3629505
| Red - Ooooohhhhhh! So that's WHERE my gold finches went! I had a small flock of them until about the end of April and then they ALL disappeared. They were just starting to get their yellow feathers and looking so cute!
Glad to be of help with a new project for your dh! (Just don't mention my name to him though okay?! LOL) |
fly_girl
The Woodlands, TX
(Zone 8b)
June 18, 2007
12:48 PM Post #3629622
| Becky, love the setup!
Red, my goldfinches must be up there too...they all leave in the spring...after I fatten them up all winter! Love those little birds., it's so cute the way they eat upside down. 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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Redtootsiepop
Livermore, CA
(Zone 9b)
June 18, 2007
4:47 PM Post #3630560
| how funny - because they DO show up here in the spring and are gone gone gone all winter !!! The kids and I get very excited when they show up. They love the fountain, so cute. |
gardenpom
Melbourne, FL
(Zone 9b)
June 18, 2007
7:18 PM Post #3631066
| The Painted Buntings are only here in the winter. Mine went North a few months ago. |
lilydaydreamer
Dayton, KY
(Zone 6a)
June 20, 2007
8:02 AM Post #3636520
| TexasPuddyPrint,
First of all hello! I just found this part of DG (usually hang on the daylily fourm) and loved following your owls in the deer blind so far. Just looking closely at your first pic - I think there were 2 chicks and 3 eggs. Look between the chick and the eggs and there is a smaller chick huddled there with his/her back to the camera. Do you see it? The 2 live ones are probably the first two. I believe I even read somewhere that older owl chicks will out compete and even eat the younger ones (hopefully only after they have already died).
[HYPERLINK@davesgarden.com]
Thanks for sharing. Lisa |
beckygardener
(Becky) in Sebastian, FL
(Zone 10a)
June 20, 2007
12:33 PM Post #3637328
| Lisa - I believe you are right! I do see what looks like another chick right next to the back of the larger baby. And you are probably right about them competing for food and the younger one didn't make because the bigger/older ones pushed it out of the way. Sad. But that is how it is in nature. Good eye spotting that other baby! :-) |
TexasPuddyPrint
Edinburg, TX
June 20, 2007
6:02 PM Post #3638603
| Lisa,
There were originally four eggs. One chick hatched and then there were three eggs. That photo you see is of the one chick...what looks like the back of a chick is part of the first hatchlings leg/thigh. The most recent photos show two chicks and one egg in the far back of the deer blind. I think the fourth egg was squished or eaten by the other chicks or perhaps the parent owl. There looked to be something like an egg shell amongst the clutter.
Didn't see but two chicks this past weekend...but will double check when I go back this coming weekend.
Here's is a photo from last weekend. I've put arrows on the two chicks, the one egg and what looked like a broken egg shell.
~ Cat
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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plantladylin
East Central, FL
(Zone 9a)
June 20, 2007
9:09 PM Post #3639148
| Great Photo's Y'all ... I have really enjoyed this thread and will be returning ocassionally to see your updates! Love the Owls ... Yep ... Barn Owl's. Heres a link with some info on these Beautiful Creatures:
[HYPERLINK@www.owlpages.com]
I've always had a thing for Owls and for many years collected owl statues. When my Mom used to visit I had to remove the one from the mantel of the fireplace ... Owl's creeped her out ... she always said she felt like it was "watching" her! Mom is gone now and my owl statues have been boxed up for years ... some went to a thrift store, but I still have lots that I need to get rid of. Thought of listing them on e-bay, but it's just too much of a hassle. Next time Hubby takes a load of stuff to the thrift store I'm sure a couple of boxes of owl stuff will go along!
Love your photo's ... hope you keep us posted on those babies! |
fly_girl
The Woodlands, TX
(Zone 8b)
June 20, 2007
9:10 PM Post #3639153
| Yes, keep posting, they are so cute...weird, but cute. |
TexasPuddyPrint
Edinburg, TX
July 8, 2007
8:39 PM Post #3712625
| Update on the owlets. There are only two. Guess the other egg didn't make it. The bigger one kept hissing at me all the while I was taking photos and video :o) The little one would just bob his/her head up and down all the while stepping on and off that piece of wood in the corner. Pretty much acting like a little kid that wouldn't sit still. Strange behavior indeed!
~ Cat
This message was edited Jul 8, 2007 7:52 PM
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TexasPuddyPrint
Edinburg, TX
July 8, 2007
8:41 PM Post #3712635
| Have no idea what was going on but the bigger one turned around and just gave the little tyke a look ...and you can see by the photo after this one...how subservient the little one is.
~ Cat
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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IrisLover79
Westchester, IL
(Zone 5b)
July 8, 2007
8:43 PM Post #3712643
| LOL! My have they grown! Be careful, TexasPuddyPrint! They're starting to get big now and could be dangerous! Wonderful pix, btw.
~Kris |
TexasPuddyPrint
Edinburg, TX
July 8, 2007
8:43 PM Post #3712644
| Here's the result of "THE LOOK" :o) 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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IrisLover79
Westchester, IL
(Zone 5b)
July 8, 2007
8:44 PM Post #3712647
| OMG, is that hilarious! The bigger one must have scolded him, ROTFL!
~Kris |
beckygardener
(Becky) in Sebastian, FL
(Zone 10a)
July 8, 2007
8:54 PM Post #3712684
| Well ... ya know how MEAN big brothers can be! I bet in the owl world ... it is no different! LOL!
Great photos! That's neat that you got video, too! When DG allows video uploads, that's one that you definitely have to share, Cat! Thanks for checking on the owls and sharing the info and photos with us! Absolutely fascinating!!!! Thank you! I've enjoyed your adventure of keeping tabs on them every weekend. :-) Very cool indeedie! |
TexasPuddyPrint
Edinburg, TX
July 8, 2007
9:00 PM Post #3712701
| ...oh and the inside of the deer blind doesn't look so bad anymore. Well, at least there isn't any varmit body parts left lying around. Seems these two are eating everything the parents bring to them.
~ Cat |
plantladylin
East Central, FL
(Zone 9a)
July 8, 2007
9:04 PM Post #3712725
| Awsome ... how those babies have grown! They really are looking like Owls now! Please keep posting the pic's until these guys fledge the nest! That video would be a great tool for teaching youngsters and oldsters alike about these wonderful birds!
Great Job!
|
fly_girl
The Woodlands, TX
(Zone 8b)
July 8, 2007
9:20 PM Post #3712814
| Boy they are cute!!!
Thanks for the update! |
Maria2354
Fernandina Beach, FL
(Zone 8b)
July 8, 2007
9:39 PM Post #3712893
| Hi Becky! I love your owl pics and birdfeeder set-up, too cool.
Cat, your pics are one in a million! What an opportunity to see owls grow up!
Thanks to both of you for sharing!
And what do I have to offer? Just an old squirrel feeder…
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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IrisLover79
Westchester, IL
(Zone 5b)
July 8, 2007
9:45 PM Post #3712929
| LOL, Maria, that's awesome! I've actually been wanting to make one similar to that for a long time. There are plans for it in a book I have. It's called the squirrel picnic table. Same as yours, except the table is longer and there are two chairs, one on each end. That's a great pic. I gotta make one now, LOL!
~Kris |
Maria2354
Fernandina Beach, FL
(Zone 8b)
July 8, 2007
9:45 PM Post #3712930
| Where some misguided souls land occasionally…
Becky, I have to tell you that I too have problems with the rodent population although I think mine are more of the rat variety. They usually come after dark and I had to take my feeders inside at night. The visitor in the picture started coming around when I was putting out peanuts. They went away like hot cookies but unfortunately, also attracted bigger “rodents”.
This message was edited Jul 8, 2007 9:56 PM
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Maria2354
Fernandina Beach, FL
(Zone 8b)
July 8, 2007
9:55 PM Post #3712987
| Kris, I guess I just gave you a reason not to build one LOL. But he was so cute...
You know you can order those feeders. I got mine here: [HYPERLINK@www.yardgeek.com] and they got even more here [HYPERLINK@www.wildwoodfarms.com]
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beckygardener
(Becky) in Sebastian, FL
(Zone 10a)
July 8, 2007
10:03 PM Post #3713025
| Maria - LOL! Hey squirrels are the funniest critters to watch. I like your corn cob feeder and it looks like your little guest does too! :-)
I have a funny story to tell you about one of my squirrels. It's been raining here for almost a week. So of course when the weather clears up a little each day, the squirrels and birds come right to my feeders to grab something to eat before the next rain showers.
I had to walk outside to get something and was moving pretty quick. I was startled when all this commotion happened. Apparently my quick movement scared all the birds and squirrels at the feeder. They all took off like they were on fire!!!
Well, one squirrel was so scared it ran up to the fence and somehow missed the trellis. So it jumped up quickly on my wheelbarrow sitting right next to the fence to try to jump from there to the top of the fence to escape. (This was all happening in a matter of a few quick seconds.) I must have really scared the daylights out of this little squirrel because it missed the handle on the wheelbarrow and landed right in the middle of the tub of the wheelbarrow. With all the rain we've had, the tub was full of water and the poor little thing hit that water and literally did an amazing backflip out. On the way out it hit it's head on the edge of the tub as it was coming down from the mid-air backflip and plopped to the ground with a thud. It looked a little stunned, but quickly recovered and climbed up the trellis and escaped ...
You'd think that by now they would know I won't hurt them ... heck they wait every morning for me to come out and fill up their food dishes. LOL! Of course, I am sure not all of the neighbors are as nice to them as me! ;-) I sure wished I'd had a video camera in my hand at that moment. That would have been a good one for America's Funniest Videos! LOL! |
Maria2354
Fernandina Beach, FL
(Zone 8b)
July 8, 2007
10:26 PM Post #3713143
| Becky, I bet that was hilarious! My squirrels still run every time I get too close to the feeders, too.
With my new friend, everyone has been warning me about rabies because he has come around in the daylight, etc. He seems to be very young and was probably fed by people before. The way our small island has been developing, it would seem that contact with humans is almost unavoidable. Molly, one of my cats ran him out of the yard twice. Well, a raccoon could really do some damage to a cat but he just climbed up the tree politely because he knew that he was in her territory. And then you see Molly…
One other time, he could have done a number on me. I was watering my plants and looked up the tree and there he was. Not a foot away from my face with an expression like “Can I come down now?” Shortly after that, he was in the yard doing what he does best, digging holes, LOL. I have not seen him in about two weeks now.
But back to the owls, the closest I ever got to one was hearing it. I sure wished we had more owls, hawks, and whatever else it would take to control the rat population. Living at a lake sure seems to attract them.
Maria
But back to the owls, the closest I ever got to one was hearing it. I sure wished we had more owls, hawks, and whatever else it would take to control the rat population. Living at a lake sure seems to attract them.
Maria
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roybird
Santa Fe, NM
July 9, 2007
5:00 PM Post #3715936
| Loved the owl pictures! Those are great. |
tcs1366
Itasca, IL
(Zone 5a)
July 9, 2007
6:37 PM Post #3716251
| Maria,
your 'coon friend is gorgeous. if you want to read more about 'coons and their antics, come on over to the Wildlife forum and read up on Heidi. Plus June_Ontario had a crew of 'coons too.
Awesome animal and critter photos!!
here's the link to the WildLife forum - in case you dont have it
[HYPERLINK@davesgarden.com] |
Maria2354
Fernandina Beach, FL
(Zone 8b)
July 9, 2007
9:35 PM Post #3716933
| Thanks tcs. Thanks to the Heidi saga, I have this relationship :) |
LouisianaMark
La Place, LA
July 10, 2007
2:21 AM Post #3717838
| Cat and Becky those pics are awesome!!! Cat, I think once the babies leave the nest, you should call Mike Rowe (the "Dirty Jobs" guy from Discovery Channel) to come over and clean out the deer blind. Should be right up his alley. And as Mike would say, "I can smell it now" LOL!!!.
Mark |
beckygardener
(Becky) in Sebastian, FL
(Zone 10a)
July 10, 2007
8:08 AM Post #3718207
| ROFL!!! I love that show! My kids and I find ourselves watching that show ALL the time!!! Yeah Cat ... sounds like the perfect job for him!!! LOL! |
Maria2354
Fernandina Beach, FL
(Zone 8b)
July 10, 2007
8:55 AM Post #3718324
| Cat- I can't wait for your next pictures of the alien birds, LOL. When they can fly, send one over my way, will you ;) |
TexasPuddyPrint
Edinburg, TX
July 10, 2007
9:29 AM Post #3718431
| Poor Mike Rowe!
I watch that show all the time too. Saw one a couple of days ago about raising insects. Very similar to what we go through when we raise caterpillars!!! But the bugs they had were walking sticks that spray some type of horribly smelling substance as well as assassin bugs, grasshoppers, roaches, centipedes etc. UGH!!!
Am thinking by the next weekend that bigger chick should be trying out his/her wings. Didn't see the parent birds this time around. Usually one is in the deer blind and comes flying out when I rattle the door latch. Perhaps they are too busy catching varmits to keep these little guys fed 24/7!!!
~ Cat |
Maria2354
Fernandina Beach, FL
(Zone 8b)
July 14, 2007
9:43 PM Post #3736989
| Mike Rowe is Larry King tonight (right now). And guess what? He had his dealings with owls already. More specifically with owl pellets (as in vomit). And that was not the worst job he has ever done... yak! |
beckygardener
(Becky) in Sebastian, FL
(Zone 10a)
July 14, 2007
11:47 PM Post #3737301
| I had to share these photos with y'all. These are the some of the birds lined up every morning waiting for me to fill the feeders. :-) And they are chirping and squawking at me the whole time! (Probably scolding me for making them wait for breakfast!) 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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beckygardener
(Becky) in Sebastian, FL
(Zone 10a)
July 14, 2007
11:55 PM Post #3737324
| Today I had a visitor that wasn't welcomed by all the other birds! They were really upset that this hawk was perched on the power line over my back yard. I bet this bird saw the mice and squirrels eating at the feeders and came by to investigate. He did NOT get a warm reception and when he finally flew off he had about 4 birds on his tail trying scare him far, far away! The mice had already finished eating and scurried back to their nest behind my fence, so they were safe ... for now. 
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beckygardener
(Becky) in Sebastian, FL
(Zone 10a)
July 15, 2007
12:08 AM Post #3737375
| I don't have any butterflies right now, but I sure have a lot of birds. They have been literally cleaning out my feeders every day. Instead of going through one bag of seed a week, I've been going through 2 bags!!! Now if I could just get the elusive hummers, I'd feel like I have a well-rounded yard! LOL!
Every person that visits my house and sees all the birds can't believe it! They are like dumb-founded that so many birds are all out there at one time and doing the craziest things! My dh gets a kick out of the mice and squirrels sneaking up to scare each other. It cracks him up to see how high they jump when surprised! The birds and rodents all eat together. Many of the birds will fly down from the hanging feeder to eat what is on the ground that the rodents are eating. It's funny how they all observe each other and check out what the other is doing. It looks like they are all friends! :-)
My dh (who used to HATE mice) was worried about them today when he saw the hawk. LOL! But he was just astonished to see a hawk that close-up checking out our yard out. My dh has been counting our little mice everyday now because he fears that either the owls or the hawk will get them. I heard the owls hooting yesterday. They must be hanging out in the trees behind our house. I guess if there is food (rodents) they are sticking around. I haven't seen them in my yard lately though. It's all very interesting to me, my family, and my friends who visit. |
beckygardener
(Becky) in Sebastian, FL
(Zone 10a)
July 15, 2007
12:09 AM Post #3737376
| Maria - I missed it! Darn ... I love watching Mike's show! LOL! |
Redtootsiepop
Livermore, CA
(Zone 9b)
July 15, 2007
11:41 AM Post #3738585
| very cute becky, I think it's great you've changed his mind about the little critters... My dh does the same thing when he sees the birds in the backyard... I don't even mind when he calls me "the bird lady" lol
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Maria2354
Fernandina Beach, FL
(Zone 8b)
July 15, 2007
1:19 PM Post #3738968
| Great pictures, Becky. I know what you mean with all the birds in your yard. When I am on the phone (and I like talking outside), the people can usually hear all my birds.
Yes, the DH's... Mine always complains about the birdseed burning holes in his precious grass. But he enjoys watching the birds and squirrels just as much as I do. He even repaired the squirrel feeder when the raccoon broke it. It is just the rats neither of us care for and I take the feeders inside at night.
Did you know that I even feed the turtles and fish in the lake in our backyard? It used to be my routine and know it is Molly's routine (my cat). Every night at 6:30 pm, she starts the concerto, i.e., Let's Go! Let's go! Then we both walk onto the deck and feed the water life and she becomes my turtle with fur and begs for some breadcrumbs, lol.
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Redtootsiepop
Livermore, CA
(Zone 9b)
July 15, 2007
4:13 PM Post #3739416
| oh wow - look at all those turtles ! :) how fantastic - I can see why feeding them would be a nightly ritual. |
Maria2354
Fernandina Beach, FL
(Zone 8b)
July 15, 2007
5:38 PM Post #3739650
| Thanks Redtootsiepop. Here is Molly telling me to come on, lol. 
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Maria2354
Fernandina Beach, FL
(Zone 8b)
July 15, 2007
5:40 PM Post #3739655
| And here is another turtle feeding picture... 
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Maria2354
Fernandina Beach, FL
(Zone 8b)
July 15, 2007
5:45 PM Post #3739665
| Becky, don't feel bad about the hummers. I only had them in my yard for a few weeks in April. At least we get to enjoy the critters that do come and visit our yards, right? |
vickijackson55
Vancouver, WA
(Zone 8a)
July 15, 2007
6:47 PM Post #3739830
| The owls are awesome. My nightly visitor is an o'ppossum. lol. During the day however, I call a squirrel from a neighboring tree and he comes up to my feet to get his peanuts. It's not an owl family, but he's all I've got. lol 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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Redtootsiepop
Livermore, CA
(Zone 9b)
July 15, 2007
8:56 PM Post #3740197
| oh, your kitty ! Molly is a heartbreaker - look at those eyes !!! she's a real cutie.
well, I have alot of hummers all day, but we also have alot of skunks... one got run over down the street and P. U. it is soooooo stinky ... I guess we have to take the good with the bad, I'd love to have squirrels in our yard and owls - unbeleivable ! |
Maria2354
Fernandina Beach, FL
(Zone 8b)
July 15, 2007
9:23 PM Post #3740295
| LOL Redtootsiepop! I have yet to see a real life skunk. What kind of animals do you get in your yard? |
Redtootsiepop
Livermore, CA
(Zone 9b)
July 16, 2007
11:15 AM Post #3742092
| I'm currently being called "the bird lady" so lots of different types of finches (I don't really know all their names ) but supercute, goldfinches by the hundreds, those little red headed finches and then gray/black ones? And alot of Anna's hummingbirds. We've had baby raccoons eat the fish out of our pond, and were nice enough to spread fish fertilizier (again with the STINK!) all over my grass... but I still think the raccoons are cute-they randomly visit. Some years we get little green frogs - none this year, not sure why -perhaps the cat? We have skunks, but thank goodness not in the yard - they are really cute, but I dont want the stink! I just recently saw a squirrel run across the street, so I'm hoping - I know alot of people think they are nuisances, but I love to watch them. Very rarely we get quail walking around the fence or backyard, they are really interesting to watch. My mom just told me a hawk took a 1/2 hour bath in her birdbath the other day! |
Maria2354
Fernandina Beach, FL
(Zone 8b)
July 16, 2007
1:44 PM Post #3742758
| Wow, that sure sounds like a lot of activity and must be very entertaining to watch. If I had all that here, I would have to move outdoors just so I would not miss anything, lol. I do get occasional fancy birds that visit the lake... 
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VEGGIEHAPPY
New Braunfels, TX
(Zone 8b)
July 16, 2007
4:33 PM Post #3743369
| Amazing.
I will have to venture out into my garden at night.
Cool baby owl pics too - first time I'd ever seen one.
|
Redtootsiepop
Livermore, CA
(Zone 9b)
July 17, 2007
3:25 PM Post #3747161
| WOW - nice picture, I'm quite jealous of the lake ... is that right off you back porch? |
TexasPuddyPrint
Edinburg, TX
July 17, 2007
4:50 PM Post #3747489
| Too funny about the skunks...ya'll are going to think me odd...but having grown up on the ranch I got used to the stench of skunks...it would never fail to have one cornered in the garage by the dogs or a scuffle take place in the back yard. And back then, there were no airconditioners...we all slept with the windows opened...peeeeeeeeeeeeewwwwwww!!! The odor!!!
Yet, when I moved off to Memphis and lived in the city - there were no skunks in the down town area but when we'd take a trip to Missippi or drive over to Arkansas to watch a Razorback game and the "scent " of skunk made me so homesick!!! ROLF!!!
What can I say, the horrible odor always brought back wonderful memories of growing up on the ranch...so I guess it wasn't so bad after all :o)
...and I don't get squirrels here...I think they are kind of cute and would love to watch their antics :o)
~ Cat |
Maria2354
Fernandina Beach, FL
(Zone 8b)
July 17, 2007
8:44 PM Post #3748442
| Bird Lady (hope you don’t mind me calling you that), my property borders on the lake. To get to it, I cross my backyard and our deck is built over the water. The attached picture is a view from the house onto the deck… and note another visitor on the railing of the deck 
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Maria2354
Fernandina Beach, FL
(Zone 8b)
July 17, 2007
8:53 PM Post #3748475
| Becky, no hummers or owls, just birds that take an occasional break on the lake although I have seen less and less over the years. When we first moved here, we had ducks on the lake. Now, it is mostly turtles and fish, not much in the way of birds anymore. Well, at least I can hear the owls and see hawks and possible ospreys circle overhead. 
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Redtootsiepop
Livermore, CA
(Zone 9b)
July 17, 2007
9:49 PM Post #3748704
| Oh Maria, just gorgeous, love how your yard just flows right out - how lovely !
Cat - lol loved your story, I had a friend (who's mom had a pet skunk on a farm) who liked the way skunks smelled !! - so I can understand what you're saying... mmmmm smells like home ! lol
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Maria2354
Fernandina Beach, FL
(Zone 8b)
July 17, 2007
10:46 PM Post #3749002
| Thank you Bird Lady!
Well maybe one day I get to see a skunk... I said see NOT smell, LOL |
TexasPuddyPrint
Edinburg, TX
July 18, 2007
11:05 AM Post #3750277
| Ya'll are too funny. Yep, smells like home indeed...what a great way to put it. Why didn't we farm roses?! ROLF!!!
~ Cat |
beckygardener
(Becky) in Sebastian, FL
(Zone 10a)
July 19, 2007
3:34 PM Post #3755793
| Maria - Love your lake view! And wowee! Look at all the water lilies! I grow them in containers. Can only dream of a large pond or lake to grow them in! LOL!
Cat - One of my old high school friends had a pet skunk. It had it's stink pouch removed. (Whatever that is.) LOL! It was just like a cat. Used a litter box, loved being petted, and slept curled up next to my friend at night. It was the cutest thing! One cold winter day, the skunk disappeared. My friend feared the worst that a neighborhood dog or something else got it. They tried to keep it indoors, but it was smart and often got out. No sign of it for weeks and then months, so they just figured they'd never see it again. Come Spring and warmer weather, the little thing showed up out of the blue one day. My friend watched where it went later when it was outside in their backyard. Seems it had made itself a little den and had crawled into an area under their house to hibernate during our unusually cold winter that particular year. LOL!
They make great, but unique pets!
This message was edited Jul 19, 2007 3:36 PM |
debnes_dfw_tx
Fort Worth, TX
(Zone 8a)
July 20, 2007
6:53 PM Post #3760429
| Smell, odor, or fragrance?... It is aquired I suppose, and very subjective. LOL!
Cat, and you guys had me LOLing! I do know what you mean by nostalgic smells.
:-Deb |
Redtootsiepop
Livermore, CA
(Zone 9b)
July 20, 2007
7:52 PM Post #3760578
| oh, a pet skunk that sounds so cute... funny how it wanted to hibernate like that. |
TexasPuddyPrint
Edinburg, TX
July 22, 2007
6:35 PM Post #3766700
| This will most likely be the last photos of the owlets. They are quite big now and look so much like the parent birds. Am thinking it will be any day now that they'll fly the coop :o)
These photos were taken early today when I was at the ranch.
Little one was hiding behind the bigger owlet...cute!!!
~ Cat
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TexasPuddyPrint
Edinburg, TX
July 22, 2007
6:37 PM Post #3766707
| A better photo of the two of them...they probably won't be there any more...they look big enough to fly away now.
~ Cat
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beckygardener
(Becky) in Sebastian, FL
(Zone 10a)
July 22, 2007
6:39 PM Post #3766716
| Oh good, Cat! I was wondering about them and am glad you posted the latest. Yes, they are probably ready to move out to the big wide world. They are just beautiful birds! I am thrilled that you were able to photograph them as they grew up! You did a great job on the commentary and photos! Thanks so much! I really enjoyed your owlet experience! :-) |
tcs1366
Itasca, IL
(Zone 5a)
July 22, 2007
6:39 PM Post #3766718
| Cat -- they are adorable!! |
fly_girl
The Woodlands, TX
(Zone 8b)
July 22, 2007
6:43 PM Post #3766731
| Oh, I'll miss them...they are so beautiful! Thanks for sharing Cat! |
BlueGlancer
South/Central, FL
(Zone 9a)
July 22, 2007
10:49 PM Post #3767518
| LOL...at the one peeking out from behind. : )
They are cuter than they were a few weeks ago. Thanks for sharing the pictures that we probably would never get to see, otherwise.
~Lucy |
Maria2354
Fernandina Beach, FL
(Zone 8b)
July 22, 2007
11:41 PM Post #3767656
| Wow Cat! Your pics are priceless. In your last picture, it looks like the bigger sibling is giving the smaller one a protective hug. Too neat. Thanks for sharing! |
Redtootsiepop
Livermore, CA
(Zone 9b)
July 29, 2007
7:25 PM Post #3794001
| Cat, thanks for sharing your beautiful pics with us!
(we have been at the beach for a week, so just saw the photos!) |
TexasPuddyPrint
Edinburg, TX
July 29, 2007
7:33 PM Post #3794029
| The owlets were still in the deer blind...I took this photo on Saturday. Little one just peeked from behind big brother/sister. Both look very healthy...then again, considering there must be thousands of mice, ground squirrels, bunnies and whatnot in the back fields am sure they were always well fed.
~ Cat
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BlueGlancer
South/Central, FL
(Zone 9a)
July 29, 2007
10:40 PM Post #3794756
| I wonder what they are thinking when they see you.
"Get behind me, Sis. I'll save you." lol : )
~Lucy |
beckygardener
(Becky) in Sebastian, FL
(Zone 10a)
July 29, 2007
11:46 PM Post #3795002
| I gotta tell ya, Cat ... when I saw this thread come up ... I had my fingers crossed that it was YOU posting more photos! And boy oh boy are they just beautiful! That is so funny how one is more the protector and the other is so shy! I wonder what they think whenever they see you each week ... "Oh here comes that weird creature again flashing that light in our eyes!" I bet they are almost used to you by now! LOL! I was really surprised that they were still in the nest/blind. Such a treat that they were still there for another weekly photo session!
As always ... such a pleasure to see these lovely owls! Thanks for continuing to take photos and post here for all of us to see! :-) The photos are awesome and such fun to see! |
TexasPuddyPrint
Edinburg, TX
December 2, 2007
1:52 AM Post #4252795
| More owls!!! Had checked on this old deer blind about a month ago or so and saw two eggs. Decided to open the door and look inside today...two owlets...quite big - and counted three eggs from an upcoming new brood too.
Here's a photo of one of the owls. This is almost the same pose as from a few months ago!!! All those white streaks across the photo are dust and feathery fluff getting whirled about. It was windy today and when I opened the deer blind door the wind stirred up lots debris.
~ Cat
This message was edited Dec 2, 2007 12:01 AM
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TexasPuddyPrint
Edinburg, TX
December 2, 2007
1:54 AM Post #4252799
| ...another of the owlets standing on the floor of the deer blind. The one perched on the shelf flew out right after I took its photo. This one started fluffing up its wings and hissing :o)
~ Cat
This message was edited Dec 2, 2007 12:00 AM
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TexasPuddyPrint
Edinburg, TX
December 2, 2007
1:55 AM Post #4252803
| Three eggs of the new brood to come. There was another egg in there too but it was squished. Am thinking the big owlets stepped on it. Guess if those two big owlets don't leave the nest soon the hatchlings to come will get stepped on, no food or get killed off by the bigger owls. Time will tell...
~ Cat
ps...must say, the breeding pair of owls that frequent this deer blind keep themselves busy!!! Am assuming it is the same pair of parents from earlier this year.
This message was edited Dec 1, 2007 11:58 PM
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TexasPuddyPrint
Edinburg, TX
December 2, 2007
2:07 AM Post #4252816
| ...this one is not a hummingbird or butterfly...but since I was out photographing the owls I came across this fellow rooting for food around a pile of debris. It posed nicely for about ten seconds...I had just enough time to snap this photo before it scurried off into the woods.
We get lots of Road Runners out at the ranch but it's very rare for one to stay put long enough for a photo. Guess letting Dad paint the golfcart with camo colors worked! I was able to drive pretty close to this one!!!
~ Cat
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beckygardener
(Becky) in Sebastian, FL
(Zone 10a)
December 2, 2007
10:01 AM Post #4253188
| Cat - You are SOOOO delighting me with all these new bird photos! I just love your owls! I am so enjoying the photos and stories! What a great shot of the roadrunner! I used to live in Nevada when I was a young child and remember seeing these birds! So cool! :-) :-) :-) |
debnes_dfw_tx
Fort Worth, TX
(Zone 8a)
December 2, 2007
10:38 AM Post #4253269
| Great birds Cat!! Love the Owls and RR!
Very delightful!
:-S |
Redtootsiepop
Livermore, CA
(Zone 9b)
December 2, 2007
11:12 AM Post #4253341
| Fantastic shot of the roadrunner and the Big Owl ! Holy cow, it looks like you are really close to that owl, he is a bit intimidating !
... can I ask what kind of camera you have, really nice pictures |
