Monday, December 10, 2007

Always something

The little birds have a time of it.
Cooper's Hawk comes two or three times a day.

A pair of Northern Harriers also hunt the back yard. As do a pair of Red Tailed Hawks.


Lisa from Greenbow was so kind to let me know this photo is of a Red Tailed Hawk. Thank you Lisa. I am pleased the Red Tails are back! Once the Harriers moved in the Red Tails have not been around. The rabbits better be mindful!
The last thing the birds and the rabbits need is a cat patroling.

Being a bird is not easy.

13 comments:

Lisa at Greenbow said...

Yep, I know just how you feel. There is a big black cat that has been coming through our garden. It nabbed a squirrel the other day. Of that I am thankful. We have too many squirrels around here.

Lisa at Greenbow said...

P.S. I meant to congratulate you about those great flight shots. You must have the patience of a saint is all I can say.

Q said...

Dear Lisa,
I do take "in flight" photos, I just do not post them very often.
Winter is nice for stop action since I can see the birds perched up and can watch for when they will take off.
We also have too many squirrels! Way too many! My neighbors are not very good about putting bells on their cats collars. I try and keep an eye out for the cats. When I had a cat it had a sweet bell so the birds had a bit of a warning.
This cat was on the front sidewalk by my office window. I just stood up and he knew to scoot.
I am a patient person. Being a seed to seed gardener taught me the value of waiting. LOL
Sherry

Lisa at Greenbow said...

P.P.S. I wanted to say that I love the pictures of the Red-tailed hawks you posted. I know you mentioned Northern Harrier but the photos are Red-tails

You should post more of the flight pictures. They are so exciting.

Q said...

Dear Lisa,
Oh my goodness, you are so right!
I am actually very pleased too. I have not seen the Red Tails in the backyard for a long time. Northern Harriers moved in and the Red Tails were not to be seen.
Thank you so much. I will go back and edit.
Sherry

Lisa at Greenbow said...

Years ago a friend of mine found a Northern Harriers nest. He showed it to me. It was so thrilling. Amazing that they nest on the ground successfully.

Sprite said...

*****

Dear Sherry,

The Red Tail Hawks are beautiful.

That kitty looks crippled, is it? It's legs and paws seem off.

Love,
*sprite

smilnsigh said...

Oh sigh, a cat too!!! I'm glad that he knew to scoot, when he saw you.

Mari-Nanci

Mary said...

It's no wonder they seem to be in a constant state of fright.

I commented on the red-tailed in your previous post. I have not been practicing birds in flight and I'm not sure it's even possible with my camera.

Q said...

Dear Lisa,
I did not know the Northern Harriers nested on the ground. How very interesting. I do not know the raptures very well. I am learning!
Thank you for teaching.
So much to learn.
Sherry

Q said...

Dear Sprite,
I think kitty is fine. He just turned one more time to look at me. I took a series of photos and I liked this one because of the look he gave me!
LOL!
Sherry, who love cats

Q said...

Dear Mari-Nanci,
There are a few neighborhood cats about. This one is not afraid of me just knows the birds and feeders are off limitis!
Sherry

Q said...

Dear Mary,
On your camera it might be a "sports" symbol. For stop action I use a speed priority setting. Fast-fast shutter.
The little birds like it when I am outside. Most of the time they are hyper-vigilant! For good reason too!
Sherry