Refuge Sunday

The invasion of the eagles continues at the Farmington WMA along with Tundra Swans right now. Lots of photo ops available or just bring the kids to see these incredible birds.
White Pelicans dropped in to see what all the excitement was about - and the crows and the gulls stole fish parts...

Antelope Thursday

With clouds in the south end of the valley and sun in the middle and north, I toured Antelope Island today.
It is a mystical place for me, memories of many experiences there and the light and shadows and water and ice and snow all create a unique environment.
Not a lot of animals - the ubiquitous buffalo and antelope - along with a couple of raptors - Harrier and Rough-Legged hawks and a Kestrel. No bushy tailed coyote today.
Here's a few shots from the day..

Big boy..

Lots of moms and young ones gathered on the east side...

A lone pronghorn

Harrier

This group was part of a larger group of about 15 antelope..

Rough-legged came by to say hello..

Backyard Birds..

Looks like spring is coming - the Yellow-rumped Warbler showed up yesterday! A good looking Flicker partook of the feed cylinder and a Junco watched from a branch over the fence.

One more Eagle....

Here's one that I like - looks like the eagle is checking on his passenger!!!

More Refuge Friday

I got a lot of decent photos yesterday, a magical time at the refuge. Here's more, mostly eagles but a couple of other birds also.

The lone GBH posed for a photo.

Eagles.....

Lots of crows around, looks like they pick up the pieces of fish that the eagles don't take.

 The gulls stayed out of the way, observing....

Refuge Friday

A sunny and very windy day at the refuge around midday. Got out there before the storm came in and was rewarded with Bald Eagles flying everywhere! Thank goodness I'm getting the hang of the long lens I use so my keeper rate is going up.
What a thrill to stand there and have these giants fly by you, at you and over you. Sometimes you just want to watch them as they wheel and dive in the wind.
Of course the Harriers were out in force also, along with a few kestrels. One lonely GBH was hiding out in the bulrushes.
Enjoy!

OK - where's the best spot for me to land?

I got mine and I'm outta here!

Incoming adult and crow..

Harrier

Great Blue hiding out..

Rainy days

Looking back at photos during these rainy days, found one that I liked and experimented with it. Color versus B&W.
What do you think - any favorite?

Refuge Monday

A brilliant day, blue sky and lots of birds.  At least 40 Bald Eagles were around, either in trees, on the ice, flying by or whatever! Harriers everywhere - I sat in my car at one of the bridges and they flew basically in my face. Then the white pelicans against the blue sky...look like military planes.
Lots of photogs out.
Enjoy!

Refuge Friday

A cold day despite some sunshine...but worth it to get out and see the refuge!
Again, Harriers were everywhere and really didn't seem to care if a human was standing there or not. Really should have a GoPro on my head to capture them!
Pelicans, Great Blue Herons, Bald Eagle, Rough-legged Hawks and a Kestrel made up the rest of the show.
Enjoy!

A young heron flapping around..

Male Harrier with his initial takeoff jump..

Rough-legged Hawk - they sit and look at you as if they are the wise ones of the world..

Female harrier with the 'eye'

One adult bald eagle today - hope more show up tomorrow for Eagle Day. There were lots of dead carp for it to eat but it didn't seem interested.