The end of winter

While we haven't really had winter this year, even that attempt at winter seems to be losing its hold on Shakerag. I don't recall a winter that didn't produce at least one snow. This winter, we had one afternoon of snow that was gone in about four hours. That suits me just fine, but I do not look forward to all the ticks this warm winter will produce.

So here are some random photos from this extremely mild winter.

A tree in bloom at the park

Redbud about to bloom with the Bald Eagle in the background at the Nature Station at LBL.

The eagle from the Nature Station

The little red phase Screech Owl also at the Nature Station

White Pelicans at the dam

More lovely White Pelicans

Black Vultures at the dam 

Hematite Lake

It was a mild, pleasant winter. 

Now I'm ready for spring!

-Susan

Macro Friday

March has begun and so has some more agreeable weather. It's still a bit on the cool side, but it's been pleasant enough. This week, the Nature Station at Land Between the Lakes opened for the year. We were there the first day. While the Nature Station can be quite busy, that was not the case on Wednesday. We were able to see all the animals and ask questions. We even got to see them feed their Virginia Opossum. It's not too different from watching a 'possum eating in our bird feeder, but it was still interesting. There are a pair of Red Wolves in residence. I don't recall ever getting to see them before, but one of them was out enjoying the sunshine during our visit.

The owls are my daughter's favorite animals at the Nature Station; they are my favorites, too. All of the owls are unable to live in the wild whether due to an injury or imprinting. It's a wonderful place for both the animals and the people.
We can see the animals and learn about them, and they have a safe place to live with plenty of food. I know I have said it before, but if you are ever near Kentucky Lake, make a trip to
Land Between the Lakes, you won't regret it.

The above is a macro shot I took of the little Eastern Screech Owl. I would have liked to crop out the sleeve of the naturalist holding the owl, but if I had I would have lost some of the fuzzy-ness of the owl's face.

This little owl is just about ten inches tall.

Unlike most other birds, Screech Owls come in two different colors or morphs.

He is the red morph. The other color they come in is gray.

The call of the Screech Owl sounds much more like a soft whinney than a screech. It's sort of dove-like.

Like the Great-horned Owl, he can raise or lower his "horns" as the whim takes him.

Isn't he beautiful?


As always, you can click on any of the photos for a closer look.

Don't forget to
stop by

blogging from bolivia
to link up your own Macro Friday post!

-Susan