Merlin caught a Dove

Sunday, January 21st, I was sitting working on my computer when there was a loud boom. Then a thud as a dove hit the wall and window. I glanced at the window, I saw a brown and grey flash. I grabbed my phone and went to the window. On the ground was a Merlin gripping a dove in its talons. He saw me and proceeded to move away from the window. The dove was too heavy for it to fly with, so it started to feast.

This video is of it starting to feast.

https://youtube.com/shorts/x_a0ybjN9Wo?si=rvKfFSfADspFpI2u

I carefully went to get my Nikon with a 200-500mm lens and took some still shots.

He saw me move a bit and went on alert

Eating a leg

Getting it down in weight so it can take off

Taking the remains home

A New Year 2024

My last photo of the year.

The fan on the ceiling at Nick’s house on New Year’s Eve.

 My friend’s, Sakura and Will, came back from Hawaii and contacted me. We drove into town and had a nice meal before heading to Nick’s house for an impromptu jam session. Nick has a multitude of various instruments, we went through most of them. It was a good way to ring in the New Year.

Sunrise on the 3rd of January

Snowing at dawn on the 4th of January

Nice snow storm, another one is headed this way on Sunday. Charging up all the batteries and filling the water tank. I have my John Deere running with the snow plow attached, so I am ready.

Sunrise Sunset

 Had nice Thanksgiving, cooked a turkey breast on the BBQ, it came out really good. Used my new Meater Thermometer, worked great. Also, made an apple pie for dessert.

  

We were then hit with a wet snow storm.

Living on two miles of dirt road meant staying home for a few days.

Hanukkah was coming up so I dug out some of the potatoes I grew last summer and made a couple of batches of latkes. Some of the best I have made.

When I was able to get out I went shopping at Trader Joe’s, damn them. When did they start making Double Chocolate Croissants? Of course I had to get some.

So I will leave you with some sunrise and sunset pictures.

Hope you all have a Happy Holiday.

This a link to the Madrid Christmas Party:

 https://www.facebook.com/1017575798/posts/pfbid02AqExHKTX9D2TdAjVJN7QjX3VHfd2E3QjP7uN1okXc82k9dWQkmBgFEo7xCxyBTUNl/?

Peaceful Easy Feeling

 It has been over 23 years and, yet, I feel you with every beat of my heart. I sat outside, saw a rainbow and felt you near. I gave up trying to forget and just let you in. It should not have happened this way. One day we were suppose to meet again, at the right moment. I celebrate your birthday each year with fond memories of the time we had together. I just always thought we would create so many more.

Just came across this poem which sums up my feelings:

Last Day in Alaska

 Tomorrow, Monday the 25th, I leave Alaska and fly to Seattle. I will spend the night there, before catching a flight back to New Mexico. Today looks like a good day to get some more pictures before I leave.

Here are some that I have taken in the last few days.

Aurora
Image captured from Fritz Creek

Homer and the Homer Spit
Image captured form the Skyline Overlook

Sunset Fritz Creek

Eagle
Image captured on the beach at the Homer Spit

Around Homer

 Went out to the Homer Spit to see what I could find.

A Sea Lion in the harbor 

Otters swimming around in and out of the harbor.

Captured some boats and the ferry on Kachemak Bay.

A few planes and a helicopter passed overhead.

A good day to be out enjoying a beautiful day in Homer Alaska.

Anchor Point

 Went back up to the Anchor River to try to catch more fish. Beautiful day on the river, unfortunately, we did not catch anything. I did manage to stay out of the water.