Cooper's Hawk

The watcher got watched! We went over to the Magic Hedge last Sunday. There had been a light snow and we were hoping to see any of our Winter Residents out and about.

I was a little un-nerved though to glance up and see this Cooper's Hawk sitting on a lower branch calmly watching me. He has a "young" look to him so perhaps he hasn't seen too many people tramping through the snow.

I got the feeling, from his expression here, that he somehow blamed US for the gust of wind that blew the new snow off the tree and onto him.

Harlequin Duck in Costume

About two months ago, I posted some photos of immature (or female) Harlequin Ducks. They were fun to watch, but I missed seeing their cool winter plumage. This weekend, I got the chance to see a Harlequin Duck all decked out for Winter.

Enjoying the waves

Surf's Up, Dude

Oh No! A Camera! Gotta Go!

Where'd He Go?

This Cold Weather Makes Me Sleepy

Naptime!

Red-Tailed Hawk

This Red Tailed Hawk got his feathers ruffled. By the wind ... but not by me. In fact, I think he was more than happy to get his photo taken. Initially, he greeted us at the entrance (where he then captured a snack). Later, he flew over to the other side of Northerly Island where we were walking to grab another snack. He seems to be eating well and becoming quite the urban Hawk.

Northern Shrike

Where else would a Northern Shrike be but on ... Northerly Island. And, of course, only a possible sighting of a cool bird like a Northern Shrike would lure us out on a cold winter day. This one seemed to be enjoying the sun (as we were as well) in between food reconnaissance missions.