However, their work takes them back and forth along the same road where we saw the tiny owl; and of course both keep their eyes peeled. While at first wondering what a pine-cone was doing in a deciduous tree (you know how the mind works); it turns out they found a Northern Pygmy-Owl! Some say 're-located', some say found...neither of us care except to say that maybe Polly Wren has lost her nemesis and finally saw a tiny owl close to home.[Addendum: Can you imagine how hard it is to spot a tiny bird, much smaller than a robin, while driving down the highway?]
But, speaking of luck, they were some nine miles from home and without cameras. They raced home and back and could not believe their continued luck as the gorgeous little owl was still there 20 minutes later... and stayed for another 20 minutes while they photographed it. It was a new Huerfano County bird for both of them... and they've shared their pictures with us.
If you want to look for the owl, please exercise caution. It was perched directly over Hwy 12 close to mile marker 13. This can be a very busy road that some enjoy driving quite fast. It was on a "blind corner" so they parked a little further beyond in a wide spot near a drive-way and walked back to shoot the bird. Of course, they only hunt with cameras!
As an aside, I thought I'd post this lovely, intimate shot of one of the local deer and her growing youngster... a sweet moment. These two images are from Jeannie Mitchell.
I can't believe I'm posting this...I've gotten so blasted fat and next to slim-trim Polly Wren, I look huge. I don't suppose I can blame it on being closer to the camera, huh? Jeannie took the shot as we were leaving Polly's house; we'd been tromping through knee-deep snow drifts, Polly had been at home snug as a bug in a rug...in sandals.Photos: Northern Pygmy-Owl by P. Neldner, deer and Polly & me by Jeannie Mitchell
7 comments:
You have amazingly cool birds in Colorado. I must travel there. I went to a meeting in Denver once and climbed Mt. Evans, but that was before I was bird crazy. Congrats on the Pygmy. Amazing find!
Great photos. I really enjoy your blog.
Oh, I'm SO glad you all got to see the owl! That was the very first (non-Great-Horned) owl I found--the rest were always pointed out to me by more observant birders.
You are not fat, just festively plump. I believe I am now spending more money on bird food than I ever did on my blind, diabetic dog.
Phew...so glad you made it clear we only "shoot" with cameras! I admit we sometimes raise a few eyebrows when we say "Yup...we bagged that bird"...meaning we got a good photo.
I did a very happy dance that day!
Like the photo of the two of us...fun day!
Awwww, you guys are all so great! Thanks for the comments.
@John; you're welcome anytime.
Leslie...it was an awesome call! I'm glad you found it too, and just added another shot from the Neldners.
Amy, my pal, that comment reminds me of a cup I have: "I'm not fat, I'm voluptuous." ...with a very round, smug-looking rabbit. I know what ya mean about the cost of seeds!
Polly, I like the photo of us, too...though I'm a bit ashamed of what a yahoo I look like. But that was after two days of birding-guests and tromping through mud & snow. Thanks for sharing...so much.
That is owl I been wanting to see for a very long time and every time I come to Colorado I ask people to keep an eye out for these owls. If anyone in my group spots one.. they get a free dinner on me!
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