Tag: animals

An Owl’s Breakfast

The Nature Conservancy opened up a beautiful stretch of the Truckee River to the public a few weeks ago. I was finally able to visit it after drooling over it since the restoration work began 9 years ago. I was not disappointed as I walked through lovely cottonwoods and saw lots of wildlife enjoying the peaceful protected area. I surprised this Great Horned Owl enjoying a breakfast of Cottontail Rabbit and saw many live bunnies too. These pelicans were fishing on the river in the early morning. I will be visiting often.

Winter Birds

It has been record warm here for the end of January. Hitting 60 a couple of times this week is like a heat wave. The birds have been fairly active and I had some luck at a sanctuary near the river. Where I grew up on the Canadian border a Robin would mean Spring but they stay here all winter whether it is a tough winter or a mild one like we are having this year.

Wildlife

11-18-2011:  For me wildlife photography has been largely a collection of happy accidents. I go out to take photos of something specific and am fortunate enough to happen upon animals doing their thing. It seems as if I purposefully go out the opportunities elude me. Lately though, I have been finding quiet spots to hide in and wait and have been rewarded for my patience. I have also startled and been startled by coyotes and deer where we both frightened each other by not being aware of each other’s presence. It can be a bit frightening to hear something crashing through the brush and not be sure what it is until the last-minute. My luck is holding so far with no mountain lions or bears bursting out of the brush. Fingers crossed… : )

11-29-2011: I have discovered a couple of really good places to find deer. So now my photos are no longer happy accidents but have become a deliberate obsession. Stalking and finding deer, especially big bucks has become an all-consuming passion. I think of the photos with big racks as a type of porn. Antler porn!; and it is a pretty addictive activity for me.

 

Wild Horses

Abandoned, they thrived in forgotten corners and the out of
the way

Where others had died they survived and made the outback
their own place,

Here to stay.

Now hunted and harried, they have done too well.

There are too many to hear others tell.

They don’t belong

To see them in the wild you can’t help but hope

That their nobility and spirit will grace the desert forever

Running out there, fleet and strong,

Not relegated to dreams and songs.