February 7, 2021:
Clarks Creek Nature Preserve Finale:
For a brief pleasant diversion this Super Bowl Sunday, I’d like to share a final set of images from my January 29th visit to Clarks Creek Nature Preserve:
Two photographs of Ruby-crowned Kinglets; two shots of White-throated Sparrows; three images of Field Sparrows; Carolina Wren; and a couple of additional views of the “Rock Star” juvenile Red-tailed Hawk.
Enjoy!
Stay safe and have a great day!
https://www.facebook.com/SeaDocGenk
https://www.instagram.com/seadoc13
February 6, 2021:
Continuing From Clarks Creek Nature Preserve:
To brighten up your Saturday a little, I would like to share a few additional images from my January 29th visit to Clarks Creek Nature Preserve:
Two photographs of an Eastern Phoebe; Orange-crowned Warbler; two images of a Red-shouldered Hawk; three shots of a Pine Warbler; and a Downy Woodpecker.
Enjoy!
Stay safe and have a great day!
https://www.facebook.com/SeaDocGenk
https://www.instagram.com/seadoc13
February 5, 2021:
More From Clarks Creek Nature Preserve:
It’s raining here in Charlotte, NC, yet again today!
I am cooped up at home, working on photos from the past two days’ outings.
As we head into the weekend, for your viewing pleasure, I would like to share several more images from my January 29th visit to Clarks Creek Nature Preserve:
Six photographs of an energetic White-breasted Nuthatch; Northern Cardinal; and two shots of a Red-bellied Woodpecker.
Enjoy!
Stay safe and have a great day!
https://www.facebook.com/SeaDocGenk
https://www.instagram.com/seadoc13
February 4, 2021:
The “Rock Star Raptor” Returns:
My camera and I went birding at our local Clarks Creek Nature Preserve on January 29th, and experienced another “you never know” moment!
After walking around for about 1 1/2 hours, I stopped by my car for a drink of water, before continuing on.
As I was sipping from my water bottle, a large raptor flew directly to the top of a small tree, located about 10 feet away!
So, of course, I immediately put down my water bottle, picked up my camera, and started firing away.
Within a couple of minutes, I realized that I was most likely photographing the large, (presumably female), juvenile Red-tailed Hawk, which I had photographed on at least two prior occasions!
This hawk is a true “Rock Star!” It doesn’t seem to mind being imaged, even at fairly close range, and appears to constantly strike new poses!
After I had photographed this raptor for more than 1/2 hour, things got even better!
Suddenly, for no apparent reason, an adult Red-tailed Hawk abruptly swooped in, audibly “thwacked” my “Rock Star,” and flew off!
It was almost as if Momma Hawk was scolding Junior for missing breakfast with the family!
Who knows what it was all about!
In any case, nonplussed, my “Rock Star Raptor” continued posing for me for another 1/2 hour, before casually flying off.
You just never know what is going to happen when you are out in Nature! That’s a big part of the fun!
After this lengthy preamble, for your viewing pleasure today, I’d like to share, in temporal order, a series of images from this encounter. (The seventh photograph in the series was taken at the precise moment that the adult Red-tailed Hawk attacked.)
Enjoy!
Stay safe and have a great day!
