Lord of the Skies
An adult Sharp-shinned hawk lords over a hapless pigeon by Far Enough Farm, preparing to eviscerate it. Sharp-shinned and Cooper’s hawks are very similar in appearance, I’m going with Sharp-shinned here because the feathers on the crown almost merge with the back feathers.
Where’s Waldo?
Mute swans snooze the afternoon away on the snowy ice off of the boardwalk towards Centre Island.
Red Eye Flight II
A great horned owl sits in a tree on Fourth St. A quick pop of the camera flash turns the pupils red, like an inverted night heron whose eyes are predominantly red.
Sunshine Love II
A barred owl basks in the sun at the base of the Algonquin Island bridge, one of those Island where-were-you-when moments.
The Loneliness of Being
A barred owl glances downward as a Parks Gator drives by, the most concern it showed for hours as it snoozed in a tree on Algonquin.
Perch on Blue
A barred owl perches in a fir tree at the base of the Algonquin Island bridge, completely unconcerned by the crowd gathered below.
Barred Yawn
A barred owl interrupts a snooze in the sun to yawn loudly. Well, as loud as an owl ever is, which is virtually silent.
Inside Job
A glimpse of the underside of a great egret’s wing, preening itself off of Doughnut Island.
Eye to Eye
A cormorant prepares to swallow a catfish whole, after a long but ultimately futile struggle.
New Bling
Canada Goose XC54 shows off her new neck tag, while sitting on her nest near Doughnut Island.
Early Arrival
One of the first arrivals of Spring 2013, a cedar waxwing (thanks Rob!) perches on a branch by the boardwalk.
Ol’ Blue Eyes
Taking a break from screeching like a broken car alarm, a goose shows off its stunning blue eyes on Centre Island.
Greater Scaup
The shockingly yellow eyes of a Greater Scaup, here comfortably perched on a log, peer back at the camera.
Spearfisherman
A great egret poses for a portrait against deep shade, showcasing a bill designed for spearfishing in the shallows.