Winged Predator

When every bird disappears from the feeding area, look for a predator.

Yep, there he is. He is about the size of a crow. 

 This wet, bedraggled Cooper’s Hawk was hunting in the wintery mix precipitation this morning and Flash Black took these wonderful photos. Cooper’s Hawk is a lifer for me. 

He can keep his feet warm by pulling one up close to his body while clinging to a branch with the other.

 

Tail helps with balancing act.

Now he is again scanning for a meal. You can tell he is young because his eyes are yellow. They darken with age from yellow to orange to red.  This one has his feathers fanned maybe to dry them, shed water, or keep them from freezing together. The photos were made with a Canon Rebel XTi with EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 L IS USM lens on a tripod.

Visit Flash Black

Classical Beauty

Handsome Hunter

He visits our garden frequently. He takes off when we try to be friends.  I haven’t had a cat in a long time. I’d be happy to give him a home. Here, kitty, kitty!

Something Beautiful

can always be found in the garden on the coldest day even if it has to be from your window.

Purple Finch

Look at this fellow. He is quite colorful in the winter. He looks as though he has been dipped in dye.

 

 A Cardinal problem in winter is hard water. Some varmint pushed the fountain into the pool and there is no movement to keep the water from freezing. It was probably trying to get a drink also.

 

Red Bellied Woodpecker says, “Look out below.” She is so cute in her crouched position.

 

Thanks for the heads up, my friend.

 

Photos courtesy of Flash Black

White Zinfandel and Pasta

with scallops

 

While it is so cold out, spend the evening in with some comfort food.  Here’s a little something Mr. Wonderful prepared.