Winter has been bitterly cold here and after not going out for a few weeks I could not stand it anymore. Have made one trip out to the refuge to see if I could stay warm with some new boots and got the pic of the Great Horned Owl. The boots worked pretty well with heat packs in them. Took these pictures yesterday in my back yard. I need to practice for an upcoming trip. I have a camo drape that my Mother was kind enough to make for me. I sit on a little stool with the cloth draped over me. It is amazing how quickly the birds forget that you are there. There is quite a lot of drama in my backyard. I have a feeder set up for the small birds which they have been flocking to. We have at least two hawks that hunt the little birds on a regular basis. It is interesting to watch the hawks. They show up and the little birds all take refuge in bushes that the hawks are too large to get into. The little birds scold and chatter at the hawks from their hiding places. Yesterday this Coopers hawk landed on the fence and watched the birds for a bit allowing me to get photos of him. Then he flew at the bushes until all the birds flew out and he chased them. He was not successful this time but I have observed the Sharp-shinned Hawk eating a sparrow from my weeping cherry tree. Just wish they would snag the pigeons. I feel fortunate to have so much going on right out my back door!
Northern Desert Photography 
Wish the hawks in my area would snag the starlings!
Ha! Yes starlings are just as annoying they just don’t hang out at my house.
My bird addiction is satisfied 😀 Stunning pictures!
Love
Such an addiction right? Thanks for stopping by and commenting.
Yes, indeed, Alison, you are very fortunate to have such a great backyard. These are superb photos, and I am jealous. 🙂
Thanks so much Bob! That is a real compliment. 🙂
These pictures are amazing! (Just like all of your pictures 🙂 ) It’s interesting how many new things and happenings you can notice in your own backyard if you have the time to just sit still for a while…
Simon B.
Thanks for the kind words chillibasket! You are so right about sitting still. As a terribly impatient person, photography is teaching me the value staying quiet and observing the world around me. Thanks for visiting!
Always enjoy your photos of different birds. You are very talented! So glad I found your blog.
Thanks RJ! 🙂
What a great variety of wildlife….. stay warm……………..
Will try! Thanks for stopping in and commenting. 🙂