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.

Blue Hoo

What’s in a name, really?

This little fellow, formally known to us since 1867, has more names than you would imagine… the most common name, of course, is the Western Screech Owl, but some of the more fanciful names include Dusk Owl, Ghost Owl, Mouse Owl, Cat Owl, Little Cat Owl, and, well, let’s just say that the list is a really long one, shall we?

Like all birds of prey, size is no indication of hunting skill, and if you think the list of names for this fellow are long you should see their dinner menu… if it flies, hops, swims, crawls, slithers, creeps, or even moves, it is fair game. This little guy might only be a few inches tall, but, he is quite the accomplished hunter.

And talkative, too. The Screech doesn’t really “screech”, but does make the all too familiar soft and mellow “hoo-hoo-hoo” sound heard throughout western North America.

As you walk through the forest, just after sunset, and hear that familiar call, you’ll know a screech is close by. Maybe it is, in owl-speak, swearing up a blue streak. Maybe it is sounding out its territory. Or maybe, just maybe, it is saying its name (by whatever name it is called).

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

Hawk Eye

The Red Tailed Hawk. Long held sacred and long sought after for falconry, it remains a formidable hunter. If you are in North American and look to the skies, chances are you might see one of the incredible birds of prey soaring above.

These are large birds. Very large, actually, and their wingspan can easily be over four feet. And they can live a pretty long time, as well: up to 20 years in the wild. No wonder this incredible bird holds such a special place among us.

This particular bird was caught as it was looking away from me, but just for a moment. As it turned its head, its eye caught the surrounding trees, and quick as a wink the picture was taken. And good thing, too, for the instant I took the picture it whirled its head back around to look at me long and hard. Those eyes, when they are looking straight at you, hold your attention, and makes you glad you are big enough to not be considered for lunch.

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

Kestrel Landing

The American Kestrel. Small, yes. But its size belies its intensity, for make no mistake about it… the American Kestrel is a raptor, a bird of prey and a very, very fine hunter.

This particular male just happens to be in full breeding color; note the intense orange around its beak, and if you happened to be a female kestrel, well, you would find this particular fellow quite handsome indeed. He is just landing on a perch when this shot was taken, perhaps to reset and begin to look for lunch.

And being on the wrong end of the American Kestrel, small though it may be, is not something I would care to be. Oh no. Not at all.