Views of Sequim, the Olympic Peninsula. . .and beyond
I found these two snuggling up on a snag not long ago, and although a bit far from Sequim (at Semiahmoo), they have plenty of siblings, and/or cousins, in our area. And seeing that we have such clear blue skies as I write this, I couldn’t resist sharing them with you.
Although nothing is ever “perfect” with any couple, I think this pair comes quite close.
Although not my best image, this photo gives a good indication of the difference between the female and the male Harrier and shows her owl-like facial features.
On their website at https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Northern_Harrier/ So All About Birds states the following:
‘Northern Harriers are the most owl-like of hawks (though they’re not related to owls). They rely on hearing as well as vision to capture prey. The disk-shaped face looks and functions much like an owl’s, with stiff facial feathers helping to direct sound to the ears’.
Note the white strip across the top of the tail as well, it’s a clear indication of an Northern Harrier, both male and female.
Often seen in open grasslands, this raptor, the Northern Harrier, is a local but a very evasive one.
Catching a glimpse of one is difficult enough, but getting a photograph, and especially a closeup, is uncommon; and catching one in flight a true challenge.
This is the male who while in flight has a more ghostly white appearance with a face resembling an owl although they’re not related. The female is a darker brown with more pronounced owl-like features and is somewhat larger.
Keep an eye out for them in grasslands, marshes, or fields in our area, and I’m sure you won’t be disappointed in watching their acrobatics as they glide, tip and swirl, hunting for their prey: small mammals, small birds, rabbits and ducks.
If you know of a great spot to photograph them, let me know in the comments…please! 😁
While on our route through Sequim this afternoon, I couldn’t help but think about how dreary things appeared today. So for those of you who are feeling a bit down about gray skies and chilly temperatures, know that I empathize!
And there is color out there, it’s just a bit harder to find this time of year. Fortunately for me, these trumpeters were swimming in the last remains of fall color at Kirner Pond, and close enough for me to capture them with my camera.
And, it appears that love may be in the air – just in time for Valentines’ Day!
At the Dungeness County Landing Park
A bald eagle making impressive landing, or conducting an orchestra? I can’t decide. But regardless, seeing more eagles at the Landing means that spring can’t be too far off.
Fortunately, I don’t have photos of ground hogs, who are less predictable forecasters.
Finally…the bald eagle is now OFFICIALLY the national bird of the US! Although it’s been on the Great Seal of our country since 1782 and has signified strength, courage, freedom and immortality for generations, it is not always on its best behavior. Benjamin Franklin actually objected to it being chosen to represent the country, saying:
‘I wish the bald eagle had not been chosen as the representative of our
country; he is a bird of bad moral character; like those among men who
live by sharping and robbing, he is generally poor, and often very lousy.
The turkey is a much more respectable bird and withal a true, original
native of America’.
…but we eat turkeys and glorify eagles! Yes, because aside from their faults they are still incredibly fascinating, as was this one…although eating something very unmentionable.
Tonight, a dozen Olympic Peninsula Audubon Society member photographers will be presenting a collection of their photos along with narrative about where, when and how they recorded them.
I will be among them, and the above is a sampling of the local photos I’ll be presenting. I’ll also be displaying several of the ones I’ve photographed in Argentina, California, and Florida, while the other photographers will have varying collections as well, all of which are impressive.
If you’re a member, great, but if not, please consider signing up. I hate to leave anyone out! So here’s a link to their website: https://olympicpeninsulaaudubon.org/membership
The presentation will also be presented on Zoom for those members who would rather attend in their jammies.