Masters in Camouflage

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photo courtesy of Dennis Swayze

Recent visit to a park where a number of Wood Ducks had been seen was a delight…then the day got even better with a Eastern Screech Owl.
These are one of our smallest owls that are about 8 in. and fairly common…if you can spot them. They are a true master when it comes to camouflage.
Screech Owls are nocturnal and spend their day roosting in a cavity…if you’re lucky they may open there eyes for short periods.

Their diet consists of small rodents that they hunt for at night. Being a small owl their calls are a low, soft series of quavering whistles ( if that makes any sense ) unlike the Booming Hoot of a Great Horned Owl.

You just never know what you’re going to stumble across when out-n-about.

Fall Visit at the Pond

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photo courtesy of Dennis Swayze

Surprised that there were still a number of ducks to be seen at the pond. I would have to say the Wood Duck is my favorite as far as ducks go. They are multi colored with every color under the rainbow.
Wood Ducks are cavity nesters and often use nest boxes if available…it’s odd to see a duck perched in a tree. They are able to do so because they actually have sharp claws.
Mother Nature worked extra hard on these ducks…just sayin !

Some Fall Interest Shown.

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photo courtesy of Dennis Swayze

You may recall earlier this spring when I had Merlin’s showing Great Interest in a crow’s nest in the front yard…you may also recall that the Crows had different plans and chased them out of the area.
Pleasant surprise over the last two weeks as the Merlin’s returned with some Fall pair bonding before migrating…again expressing interest in the pine tree.

Perhaps next Season they will have better success…from now till then my fingers will be crossed.