Taking Flight

The afternoon was perfectly silent–nothing save the whisper of the wind could be heard in the canyon. Perhaps, if one used their imagination, one might hear the gentle gurgle of water from the Colorado River, or, perhaps that was just wind again. The heat is oppressive, it being summer, and not a creature is stirring.

The afternoon was getting a little long in the tooth, as well. The sun had long ago decided that it was time to head for bed, and although it was not quite dinner time yet, the sun was heading that way. This worked out really well, because the canyon walls, with beautiful mauve shades to begin with, really began to come alive. For colors are largely immune to heat. The canyon continued its utter stillness.

Save for the crow that has decided to move from here to there. The “whoosh” of its wings breaks the silence and just like that the afternoon’s quiet is no more. The crow took off from a large rock outcrop and is headed off in search of prey, or perhaps just a change of view.

After a moment, the sound faded into the distance and silence descended once again.

Soaring Eagle

There is nothing, perhaps, more incredible than a bird, wings outspread, soaring high above. Oh, to be free from the constraints of the ground! To be able to spread your wings wide, catch the faintest of all breezes and survey your kingdom from high above. No pity is given to those stuck on the ground.

There is nothing, perhaps, more awe inspiring than a bird of prey, a raptor, with wings outspread, soaring high above. Wings spread wide, eyes intent upon the ground for prey, the hunt happens silently from high up above. For those on the ground safety is not assured.

There is nothing, perhaps, more majestic than a bald eagle, with wings outspread, soaring high above. The sight of one upon the hunt takes one’s breath completely away; the eagle itself takes no notice and remains focused entirely upon the task at hand. Back and forth, it swoops up and dives down, all the while its eyes directly intently upon the ground.

At long last, the eagle returns to its catch, resting momentarily. Without warning, its wings unfurl, catch the breeze, and the eagle soars again.

Inquisitive Kestrel

The American Kestrel is the most common falcon in North America, and can thrive in a vast variety of habitats. For the most part, put it about anywhere and it will do well… from the forest to the open field, the Kestrel is at home everywhere.
This particular female American Kestrel is actually a rescue animal, but she is perched here in front of an open field in the late fall at the Valles Caldera National Preserve in New Mexico. Although it is late autumn here, it is also a bright sunny day and the opportunity for a tasty meal may yet present itself. With her head cocked “just so,”, it appears that she is inquisitive and intent on the meal, and as time went by she became no less inquisitive. Also, with the head cocked, the unique dual vertical black bars, which appear only on the Kestrel, are easily seen in this capture
The Kestrel is not a large bird–not by a long shot. What they lack in size, however, they more than make up for in fierceness as they are superb hunters. Often perching and waiting patiently, they will make a beeline for the meal, which is often on the ground. Snatching it up quickly they are back off to the air. What this one has her eye on is not yet known… but soon will be!

Pygmy Owl

There are, probably, close to a million euphemisms comparing size to everything else. In all of these, the common theme is that the size of something, often someone, has nothing at all to do with their attitude, or capability, or whatever is being compared. Clearly, though, every single one of these has to draw inspiration from the Pygmy Owl.

These guys are small, and are just a few inches high and they weight just a few ounce. But… they don’t know that. And even if you could tell them, they simply would not believe you.

Case in point: this wonderful Pygmy Owl hosted by Wildlife Rescue of New Mexico. Sure, he’s on the small side. But one day they put him next to a Great Horned Owl–a bird of prey many, many, many times larger. Most birds would cower in fear. Most birds would do the sensible thing and leave immediately. Most birds would figure, and rightly so, that their number is up. But, of course, not this fellow. When he was next to the Great Horned Owl he sized it up. He measured it. He studied it. And then. And then he decided to have a Great Horned Owl snack. They are afraid of nothing, will take on prey far larger than them, and are one of the fiercest predators there is. And they have proved right the euphemisms on size many times over.

Flower Child

Ah, to be young again. For youth has an innocence all of its own about it; a purity and a sweetness and especially eyes that see everything for the very first time. And when you are just five days old, you are seeing absolutely everything for the very first time.

This is Esmeralda, a gosling, and yes, she is just five days old. When you are her age the world is fresh and bright and each moment is a brand new experience. This particular experience happened as she ended up in a patch of pansies in the bright morning sunlight. At first, she was a little confused, but she quickly settled into her surroundings and within mere moments decided that the sunlight, coupled with the small dish of water she was in, in her own private garden, was as wonderful a spot as she could imagine. You could see her stretch and enjoy the sun.

It was right about then that she noticed this strange object close to her (you and I would know that object as a “camera”), moving ever so slightly, seemingly aligning it directly with her. It made a few soft clicks, but most important, it made the person behind smile brightly. And in that moment, I too, was young again.

There are different sizes of this photo available at our portfolio. Flower Child is available for purchase, as well, and you can have this print framed and delivered right to your door.