The Magnificents
Here in New England, as in many parts of the northern U.S., we've been in awe of the influx of magnificent Snowy Owls (www.flickr.com/photos/bwileycoyote/11609257884/) - a mostly white, tundra-based owl that rarely shows up this far south. And even more rarely in such huge numbers.
But we're also blessed with the presence of an amazing array of other magnificent birds of prey, on a year round basis, that are adapting to our ever expanding encroachment of their hunting areas. I rarely travel on highways here without seeing hawks (www.flickr.com/photos/ryser915/11489035885/), falcons or buzzards in the median strips, in trees along the road or on the huge overhead signs. We also have American Bald Eagles (www.flickr.com/photos/libis_lens/12258878535/) that nest locally, now, and who can be easily seen.
And, for the last month or so, we've also had Short Eared Owls providing breathtakingly beautiful aerial displays as they soar, swoop and dive over local meadows looking for food.
So remember to look up when you're out doing your normal daily activities. There are magnificents among us. :)
* The links above are from three Massachusetts-based, and very talented wildlife photographers here on Flickr. Please take a look at their streams!
The Magnificents
Here in New England, as in many parts of the northern U.S., we've been in awe of the influx of magnificent Snowy Owls (www.flickr.com/photos/bwileycoyote/11609257884/) - a mostly white, tundra-based owl that rarely shows up this far south. And even more rarely in such huge numbers.
But we're also blessed with the presence of an amazing array of other magnificent birds of prey, on a year round basis, that are adapting to our ever expanding encroachment of their hunting areas. I rarely travel on highways here without seeing hawks (www.flickr.com/photos/ryser915/11489035885/), falcons or buzzards in the median strips, in trees along the road or on the huge overhead signs. We also have American Bald Eagles (www.flickr.com/photos/libis_lens/12258878535/) that nest locally, now, and who can be easily seen.
And, for the last month or so, we've also had Short Eared Owls providing breathtakingly beautiful aerial displays as they soar, swoop and dive over local meadows looking for food.
So remember to look up when you're out doing your normal daily activities. There are magnificents among us. :)
* The links above are from three Massachusetts-based, and very talented wildlife photographers here on Flickr. Please take a look at their streams!