Preening in the Sun

We have several stork pairs nesting in our area. We were out taking pictures of them recently, and I caught this shot of the mother stork preening herself while her babies wait for dad to come back with food. He did come a couple of times while we were there.

Grasping the Grass

A reed bunting grasps a stem of reed grass as it feeds on worms.

Peeking Through the Reeds

This common coot found a nicely protected place to nest. You can see it peeking satisfied through the reeds while it sits on its eggs.

Willow Warbler

A willow warbler catching the last rays of the evening sun.

Feeding time!

A great tit flying away from the house after feeding the kids.

The Squirrel and the Sparrow Hawk

We were having breakfast one rainy morning, and the squirrel (who is a regular visitor) was making quite a ruckus in our cherry tree. We thought at first he might be after one of the sparrow babies that had been flying around for a couple of days. Shortly thereafter, we noticed a sparrow hawk sitting in the tree not far away. That's why squirrel was making such a fuss! We thought the sparrow hawk was maybe trying to have the squirrel for breakfast as he sat there intently eyeing him. Then he spread his wings in a display of power, and the squirrel fled.

It was then that we realized what was really going on. Now left alone, the sparrow hawk bent down and started  feeding on the carcass of a small bird between his Talons. He wasn't after the squirrel, the squirrel had been after HIS breakfast! Continuing to feed in the rain, he paused now and then to look around and keep watch of the situation. Eventually he flew of, clutching his catch. Here's a few pictures of the feeding.