Home

Thursday, July 27, 2023

Gobblers at the window

Although Wild Turkeys are fairly common in our neighborhood, we have only  seen them a couple of times in the yard since we joined the household of our daughter's family in early 2022. We could have missed some of their visits, as they can be very furtive, especially when accompanied by their young.  

On July 17th, MaryLou happened to look out the window and was surprised to see two hens with three poults (two are visible in these poor iPhone photos):



They were too close by to fit in the viewfinder of my digital camera:

We hoped that the turkeys would find some of the seed under the feeders and maybe return, but they retreated quietly. 

In contrast, probably the most common bird species in our neighborhood posed on the back fence near me as I was watching the deer out in the clear-cut. This perky little Tufted Titmouse seemed to be begging to be seen and photographed:




Rose-breasted Grosbeaks have been scarce this summer. So far I have seen an adult male only twice and none visited the feeder. I was happy that this immature male decided to pay a visit to the suet:



I like to find features which permit identification of individuals. The doe which we call "Notch" had been gleaning the new twigs of a (wild) Black Cherry tree just outside our window:

She turned to provide a better view of her "notched" left ear:

On July 20 three adult does along with a six-week old fawn appeared on the small side lawn. The daylilies were in full bloom and I had to shoot between the blossoms and feeders from the windows in our front door. What my pictures lacked in quality may have been countered by the sentiments they provoked. The fawn briefly nuzzled up to its mother:





When MaryLou spotted a Red-shouldered Hawk resting on the back fence, about 30 Meters (96 feet) away, I had to shoot through a stained porthole window:


I was surprised at how much  detail I was able to capture, as evidenced in these cropped portraits:


In an attempt to obtain a better view, I carefully moved out the door, but the hawk saw me and took flight. Note the distinctive light "crescents" which contrast with the black tips of its primary flight feathers:

A baby Eastern Milk Snake sunbathed on a garden step:

On our morning walk we admired a nice variety of daylilies in bloom:


Breezes broke up the reflections on the lake:

On July 22, the crescent Moon peered through the clouds over a colorful sunset:

As the sky darkened, I enjoyed a pleasant view from the covered patio:

This week's header: Sunset and crescent Moon

= = =  = = =  = = = =  = = = = =

Linking to:




Wordless Wednesday (on Tuesday)

Wild Bird Wednesday

My Corner of the World
________________________________________________

Please visit the links to all these posts to see some excellent photos on display
________________________________________________

20 comments:

  1. Well, that's no fair! Your wildlife wanders right up to your windows! Some of us have to tramp around in swamps and forests to locate our subjects.

    Wonderful photographs, Ken!

    ReplyDelete
  2. That's quite a sight to have right outside your window! Beautiful sky under the arch.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Fantastic sky shots but am impressed with your other photos of nature as well ~ especially the sweet deer photos ~ Wow!

    Wishing you good health, laughter and love in your days ~
    A ShutterBug Explores,
    aka (A Creative Harbor)

    ReplyDelete
  4. Wonderful photos! I saw some wild turkeys a few days ago.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Kenneth, those wild turkeys are surprisingly smart birds and keep their distance from people, so they are difficult to photograph. You got great shots.

    ReplyDelete
  6. These are wonderful! I haven't seen a fawn here yet!

    ReplyDelete
  7. Hello Ken,
    I have never seen the baby turkeys, they are cute. Love the Titmouse and the Grosbeak is a great visitor. Beautiful captures of the deer and fawn. Great captures and closeups of the Red-shouldered Hawk. The lilies are beautiful and gorgeous sky captures. Thank you for linking up and sharing your post. Take care, have a great weekend. PS, thank you for leaving me a comment.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Wonderful post, I especially loved the wild turkey photos. For some reason I regard seeing them as a blessing when I encounter them which is not often. I also loved the tender shots of the deer. And your sky shots at the last are exquisite.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Amazing shots! In one of the photos the doe looks like she ate a lemon.

    ReplyDelete
  10. From turkeys to titmice, and deer to hawks, your photos are amazing. The aky shots added to the beauty. Keep up the fantastic work!

    ReplyDelete
  11. Hello Ken, I miss you on my blog with the direct link to Nature Thursday. I'm not a fan of turkeys, but that doesn't mean you have to stay away *lol*. I really like the crested tits and the photos of the deer anyway. Your nature around is beautiful. I've never heard of Milk Snakes. Are those poisonous snakes?
    Kind regards - Elke (DND)

    ReplyDelete
  12. The close up of the hawk is great!! Lovely shots. The snake isn't dangerous is it? Still looks scary!! Thanks for sharing at #Allseasons

    ReplyDelete
  13. Lovely photos, all. The milk snake is beautiful - I don't believe I've ever seen one.
    Thanks for sharing at http://image-in-ing.blogspot.com/2023/07/rural-hood-ornament.html

    ReplyDelete
  14. Another set of fab photos what a mix and a snake too thanks for sharing :-)
    Have a slithertastic week 👍

    ReplyDelete
  15. As absolutely wonderful close up shot of the hawk and in flight.
    I visited you via My Corner of the World
    I linked up this week with = 37
    If you have not joined us as yet at SSPS do come and share your awesome post/s with us
    You will find the linkup information under BLOGGING: https: // esmesalon . com / tag / seniorsalonpitstop (no spaces) We hope to meet you there virtually.

    ReplyDelete
  16. I love Lilies, The doe clicks are adorable. The hawk detailed snaps are mind bowling. Thanks for sharing with Garden Affair.

    ReplyDelete

Thank you for visiting Rosyfinch Ramblings! I will enjoy a visit to your page just as soon as possible. Some anonymous comments and some containing active links may not be accepted.