has been grabbed by a greedy jay.
California Scrub-Jay (Aphelocoma californica).
Winter finally arrives...
in Castle Valley with nearly five inches (~12 cm) of snow falling overnight. What a difference a day, and night, makes.
Given the shock and hardship this is presenting the local birds, the daily grain allotment has been doubled at the feeding stations.
Western Meadowlark (Sturnella neglecta).
AFTERNOON UPDATE: The sun comes out after an additional several inches of snowfall. It’s very nice to have a helpful neighbor with the proper tools. I’m certain he’s having fun.
First at the breakfast buffet...
this morning, patiently waiting for service.
Immature Cooper's Hawk (Astur cooperii).
Like a noisy alarm clock...
a large flock of Pinyon Jays invades the feeders shortly after sunrise. Here are two individuals sitting in the sun among a flock of 80 or more.
Pinyon Jay (Gymnorhinus cyanocephalus).
Bringing its ground game...
to the feeding stations this afternoon as my free range pet raptor tiptoes through the grass.
Juvenile Cooper's Hawk (Astur cooperii).
The distinctive V-shaped black band...
across the vibrant yellow breast makes these birds appear to be always dressed for dinner.
Western Meadowlark (Sturnella neglecta).
This handsome accipiter...
just winked at me.
Juvenile Cooper's Hawk (Astur cooperii).
The transparent nictitating membrane closing over the eye.
Ready...set...
go!
Cooper's Hawk (Astur cooperii).
Click on image to enlarginate.
The first valley floor snow...
this winter is occurring right now in Castle Valley, following nearly a half-inch (~13 mm) of rain earlier in the day.
A pair of Western Meadowlarks (Sturnella neglecta) bickering in the snow.
The day after: Snowpack in the La Sal Mountains has risen to 79% of the historical median with 83 days to go to the median peak.
Hiding in the honey locust tree...
at lunch time.
Cooper’s Hawk (Astur cooperii).
Launching from a locust tree...
with determination in its eyes.
Cooper’s Hawk (Astur cooperii).
The predator preens...
between meals.
Juvenile Cooper's Hawk (Astur cooperii).
A noisy aerial invasion...
of the feeding stations is occurring by a nomadic gang of jays. The image below captures only a few of the blue brutes and the regulars don’t stand a chance when they’re around.
Pinyon Jay (Gymnorhinus cyanocephalus).
Vigilant on the winter solstice...
from a high perch, this raptor is now being observed several times a day near the feeding stations.
Cooper’s Hawk (Astur cooperii).
A parched woodpecker...
stops by the watering hole this morning to tank up.
Northern Flicker (Colaptes auratus).
Talons and all disappear down the gullet...
of this successful hunter as it enjoys a luncheon consisting of dove tartare. Everybody’s gotta eat.
Well fed Sharp-shinned Hawk (Accipiter striatus).
This pint-sized predator...
just flushed several finches from the feeder, failing in its ambush late in the day. Small but fierce.
Northern Shrike (Lanius borealis).
This large and sooty bird...
is populating the valley in great numbers this winter, with a large “conspiracy” visiting the feeding stations on a daily basis.
Common Raven (Corvus corax).
A flying predatory Cyclops...
spies a potential target this morning.
Cooper's Hawk (Astur cooperii).
A band of screeching Pinyon Jays...
has assaulted the feeding stations, numbering nearly 100 voracious individuals. Here are just a couple.
Pinyon Jay (Gymnorhinus cyanocephalus).