He sits, imperious, holding that regal pose, focused on the tiniest sound of movement and watching that precious lift of a leaf by the wood mouse in search of an errant seed. He glowers, overlooking small birds with various brightly colored feathers that fly across his view and land teasingly close. They ignore His Majesty without fear knowing his diet does not include them, knowing their dive and twist into the woods outmatches his sweep and swerve. Yet the buteo's piercing eyes are magnetic and steely sharp as if they could see below the crust of this winter's earth into the safe den of each small rodent. Broad wings are held tightly against his magnificent body like the drape of a royal cloak soft as a pashmina shawl in the color of warm chestnut. He is both patient and intensely alert in the low angled winter afternoon sun. I am impressed and glad to see him as my yard has been interwoven with the net of tunnels of moles and voles and spring will bring a population explosion.
(Taken through the screened kitchen window one recent afternoon.)
The buteo is a beauty for sure, and your description is equally lovely.
ReplyDeleteoh he will make short work of the moles...ha...def has an intimidating look to him...
ReplyDeletehappy new year...smiles.
You've caught this guy looking and listening for prey. Nice that you have critters in your yard that are good prey.
ReplyDeleteA beautiful bird!
ReplyDeleteWow! Those are very impressive photos. You've really captured that majestic bird's beauty.
ReplyDeleteDouble wow, a beautiful raptor, well photographed Tabor.
ReplyDeletehe is gorgeous. we have a pair of red shouldered hawks that nest somewhere in the Wild Space behind us. I saw them perched in the high branches of one of the trees near the edge of my property the other day. During our hot dry summers, they come to drink and bathe in the natural water filter for the water lily pond.
ReplyDeleteHe's lovely, and i hope he cuts that explosion of population down to size when it comes.
ReplyDeleteThese birds are so amazing, thanks for the photo.
ReplyDeleteOh fabulous picture. What wondeful things you see through your windows. Have a wonderful 2014!
ReplyDeletePredatory birds are gorgeous and I give thanks every day that they miss catching one of my free range chickens. So far the migratory Bald Eagles have done the most damage lifting my large guinea fowl with ease, landing across the road and murdering them right in front of me as if to say, "Too bad, so sad."
ReplyDeleteWhat a gorgeous bird! Beautiful!
ReplyDeleteMy goodness - I've never seen one close up. Your description put me next to you at the window.
ReplyDelete