Two days ago I was informed my Northern Hawk Owl has been selected by National Wildlife Federation to be featured for one of their Holidays / Christmas 2024 cards! I am already a financial donor and supporter of this fine organization. Full credit will be given to me on the back of the card. As a fyi, I almost never enter photography contests as they normally are just a grab by the sponsoring organization to get free images. However, with the NWF, not only was I already a donor, but I am thrilled to help them with their important work. Thus, last year I broke my own rule and entered their contest. in the fall later this year, I expect they will become available via the NWF’s online store.
Well, my Great Horned Owls have finally nested in the nearby forest for the sixth year straight! These images were taken over the past 24 hours …
Les stands guard yesterday afternoon in a nearby white pine tree
Les hoots his love 50 minutes before sunrise this morning
Les … the Movie! (The deep crack heard in the movie is ice breaking on Amity Creek. It startled both the owl and me! Otherwise you are hearing water gurgling in Amity Creek. Video link for email subscribers)
500+ Bohemian Waxwings stopped by for lunch yesterday. I was peacefully eating my own sandwich, oblivious to the outside world when my Haikubox notifications went off on my phone. I stepped over to the window, and Uff Dah! It was a mass feeding frenzy 50 yards away. The Bohemians quickly stripped the mountain ash trees in my yard of their berries, and then moved across the road to a large stand of buckthorn (interesting study from the University of Minnesota on Buckthorn and Birds) stripping those trees of their fruit in minutes.
So what the heck is a Haikubox? The answer is … a small device that listens 24×7 to birdsong and is hooked up to the Cornell School of Ornithology. I choose the species about which I wish to be notified, like Bohemian Waxwings, but not Black-Capped Chickadees. I like the little guys, but given my seven bird feeders, my phone would be sounding constantly with notifications. Instead I choose to be notified about any new specie, birds returning during the spring or fall migration, and my local favorites (like my local Great Horned Owls). You may wish to read my full Haikubox review. As always I receive ZERO compensation for any birding device I review, or any other financial consideration.
Bohemian Waxwings of Amity Creek
Bohemians … the Movie! (video link for email subscribers)
In total I watched the waxwings for over an hour. After they stripped the trees of their fruit in my yard, and across the road next to Amity Creek, they moved upstream. I followed for about 1.5 miles eventually finding a small bridge behind which I could hide and use as a bird blind.
Near my yard
Upstream by the bridge
If you’re still with me, here is a screenshot of my Haikubox notifications and my hiding spot next to the bridge. The Bohemian Waxwings would fly by under the span and land on the ice near me.
