The scream

I was strolling across the Great Lawn to see the owl when I heard four screams over my head, blood curdling screams, looked up, shot images without thinking. This was a very different sound,  murderous screams. Only when I got images into computer could I see that this was a kestral. I'm sure it caught a red bat.  Scared bat to death? Screamed a victory call?  I don't know, but it was chilling.

After that I was ready for peace and quiet.

Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz.
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The mocker and the redtail

I've watched this mockingbird for several days. I thought it was a food-face.  Not so. This poor bird has growths on its face around eyes and mouth.

The redtail flew into space and all the little birds vanished. Survival of the fittest.

Just plain pretty.

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Other small birds

I love seeing the owls, but sometimes it's best to leave them in peace.  There are lots of smaller birds to observe.  Curious junco, skittish,- there, then gone.

The mocker was on a hacked off tree trunk watching for bugs.

It swooped down and when I looked again the mocker had morphed to Mr. Squirrel. This took place in one second.

Berry chomping finches

Chickadee also on food hunt

Hermit thrush found food.

All the small birds vanished. The why was obvious.   Young redtail.

There were also red bats in the area. Still trying to get pictures.

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Goose bath

The next time I watch this I'm going to wear a raincoat.

And then there's a yoyo bird, the coot.

Down she goes... bloop.. out of sight.

and back she comes several yards away. I could watch this all day

Next posting: back to owls.  This is a water diversion day.
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Watery Saturday

Cold and wet, cutting wind, but a nice difference. The female hooded merganser, swimming diving, looking pretty.

The blasting wind will mess up anyone's "hair".

Keep the "nose" warm,... actually nap pose.

Handsome male gadwall

Mr. and Mrs. Gadwall

The barred owl was roosting high in a tree, but no sign of the others.  It was too cold to go searching every tree in the park.
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