Saturday, September 26, 2015

The Raptor Report




The teaching birds. Who will get released this year?

We saw these amazing Raptors during the Release at Carpenter Nature Center last Fall. It was exactly a year ago today. Because they are having another one later this afternoon! My favorite photo is the Kestrel.  He looks so curious with his head cocked.  Just like he is thinking, "Me so pretty!"  He'd be right. 

But my favorite bird is the owl.  Just look at those eyes. Here's a newspaper clipping with some raptor facts.  I thought it might be of interest to my birding friends.

click to enlarge


The Stone Barn www.nelsonstonebarn.com

So where were we really going to when we stopped at the Rapture Release last Fall? Why, the Nelson Stone Barn for some rustic pizza of course. It's closing time again for 2015. See you later this afternoon beloved pizza in a corn field... 





35 comments:

eileeninmd said...

Wow, that is my kind of day. Pizza and a raptor release. Awesomw photos of all the birds. I love them all, it is too hard to pick a favorite. Thank you for linking up and sharing your post! Have a happy weekend!

Inspired By June said...

These close-ups are fabulous, Sharon! It's always a neat experience being close to these big birds, well except for the Kestral, not so big, lol. It was the Kestral who caught my eye. We were thrilled to have a pair hunting in our fields this week. First time I've seen one in the wild! Have fun at the pizza barn!

TexWisGirl said...

magnificent creatures.

Linda said...

fantastic closeups of the birds, I think the owl is my favourite too.

sunshine said...

Very impressive birds.

Stephanie said...

Fabulous images!

Lea said...

Magnificent birds!
But it is the clothes pins on the line that really speak to me.

Hannah said...

Marvelous close-ups of the raptors, Sharon! I hear an owl and a hawk in my yard but never see them in the trees. I like the owl eyes best too, and I like the feathers that give their face a flat appearance. They are amazing birds.

Stewart M said...

A great opportunity to see these birds up close - they are such great animals.

Cheers - Stewart M -Melbourne

Anni said...

You and my mother in law would get along fine...she too had a favorite, the owl!!! Even as far into collecting ceramic ones too. Magnificent images!!!!

Before we leave for the day, I just wanted to stop by and say this:
Thank you for taking time to stop by and add your link this weekend at I'd Rather B Birdin'.

Unknown said...

Gorgeous captures! Raptors are handsome birds.

Maude Lynn said...

Stunning photos. I can't even pick a favorite.

jane phillips said...

Great photos! Do you do senior photos too? Still have a few years!

ifthethunderdontgetya™³²®© said...

Pretty shots of awesome birds, Sharon.
~

Sallie (FullTime-Life) said...

Ooh those eyes, there is nothing like them! Wonderful raptor photos and what a great day ....pizza too!

DJan said...

I agree about those wonderful owl eyes, but I guess I love them all equally. Hope you enjoyed your pizza! :-)

NCSue said...

They're so beautiful - they nearly take your breath away!
Please come link up at http://image-in-ing.blogspot.com/2015/09/shake-those-tail-feathers.html

Tweedles -- that's me said...

Gosh

such beautiful photos!
love
tweedles

Findlay Wilde said...

Raptors are amazing birds. They are all so unique, but I really love the Hen harriers and the male's sky dance in the Spring. Your pictures are brilliant.

Out And About Global said...

I actually like the close up of the clothes line. What a simple composition, but evocative none the less.

DrillerAA09 said...

These are marvelous images of my favorite birds. Really well done.

Rohrerbot said...

Sounds like a fun time out. Pizza in a corn field brings back a lot of good memories. They make for the best family dinners out...especially in the evenings. And the raptors just make it more interesting:)

Ruth said...

Amazing photos! The owl is my favorite (what can I say, it is one of my favorite birds).

mick said...

Great photos and they all are magnificent birds.

Margaret Birding For Pleasure said...

What a awonderful way to spend a day out getting up close and personal with these birds. Good article. Thanks for including it.

Anonymous said...

gorgeous photos of the raptor...

Don Urness said...

This is one of the reasons I love keeping in touch with my students. It is so rewarding to see what they become. I have another student who spent a year studying kestrels. Yes they are beautiful birds. Great photos, keep up the good work.

Anita Johnson said...

I would love a day like that...I'm fascinated by owls!

betty-NZ said...

Wow! What fabulous faces!

CountryMouse said...

I just love the personality in the second shot. Great captures and that last b&w shot is a great composition.

A Colorful World said...

Gorgeous shots! How wonderful to get to go to the Raptor Center...glad they do releases. Loved that last photo also.

Gauri said...

Wow, such interesting birds...and a pizza in the end... super

Janice said...

Amazing shots.

Anne (cornucopia) said...

Fantastic close ups!!!

Linda said...

Wow, I love the owl as well, Sharon! Its eyes are so big! Very appealing.