Be Prepared

the raven speaks

My recent experience of bird sightings without telephoto lens (BSWOTL) prompted me to affix my biggest gun to the DSLR this morning (500mm Tamron mirror) when I set out for a stroll around the lake. Eyes and ears open, I was well into the woods when I heard the unmistakable call of a raven. Taking a little used path that lead in the general direction I followed the sound through the bush until I came to a stand of tall aspen. But hark, what was that other sound? Who, who, who cooks for you? There had to be an owl nearby as well. I soon spotted the raven, and grabbed a few shots before it took off. The owl had since ceased to make any sound, but I was lucky enough to spot it high in a tree. It was a big one, and it was engaged in a long session of preening, which reminded me of cats, strangely enough.

the raven watches

The oddest thing about the experience was how the raven and the owl seemed to be carrying on a conversation for some time. The raven would let out a series of clicks and caws, which would immediately be followed by the owl giving out a few hoots. This repeated a good number of times, certainly enough to imagine they were in some form of communication.

the owl sees all

the owl can ignore you

I tried to make noises that would cause the owl to look down at me, but it ignored them. I suppose it had seen me when I arrived and knew that I was not worthy of further attention. As I wound my way back I took a path through the long grass and passed by a gaggle of geese hiding away. A few of them gave me the eye.

geese cannot ignore you

Carrying on I spotted lots more birds, most too small and quick to even think about capturing their picture, but there was a Great Blue Heron in a willow, resting one assumes.

the heron acts as if he ignores you, but he knows you’re there

A few smaller avians were seen perched on treetops long enough for photos.

hummingbird

robins