Sunshine

The sun is back out and the snow is melting.

Ortiz Mountains

Cooper’s Hawk

Ortiz Mountains

Cerrillos, New Mexico

Solar Up and Running

Received the part on Wednesday, had to work in the gallery on Thursday, so I couldn't install it until Friday.

I went up early on Friday and installed the last cable. I then hooked everything up and charged the batteries. I turned the system on and checked everything to be sure it was operating properly. The only problem was attempting to get my internet working. Two hours later it was still not working so I left.

Came back on Saturday and checked all the systems. Worked on the internet for another couple of hours, no luck. Sunday I moved back to my house. Finally, was able to fix the internet. All systems are working.

Red-tailed Hawk

Rhode Island

2016

Eagle Posing

Went for my walk on around the harbor on the Homer Spit, I was joined by my sister and her friend. My sister has returned so I will soon depart, my house and dog sitting duties are over. 

This eagle was siting on a sign posing.

Nikon D850

70-200mm

Bishop’s Beach at low tide

 

Feeding Frenzy

Went out to the Spit before the rain. Spotted Eagles, Seagulls and Crows headed to to the beach. I followed them and found they had found something to eat. I have no idea what they found, these are a few of the pictures I captured.

 

A Day for Eagles

 I started my day by going to Two Sisters Bakery for my Friday fix of Chocolate Bread. I am limiting myself to once per week, it is really hard to do as they are so good.

I spotted an eagle soaring over Bishop’s Beach, I took my chocolate bread down there and ate it. The eagle had left so I drove out to the Spit.

My first stop did not prove fruitful, so I headed to the my second spot. I found a couple of eagles and watched them, when they got close enough I was able to get some good shots. As I drove to the end of the Spit I encountered an eagle sitting in a puddle and captured a few shots of it.

It was very cloudy with bouts of snow flurries and gusts of wind. It was cold so I went to “Vida” a Thai restaurant and ordered some Mongolian Beef to take home for lunch. It will also be my dinner.

Eagle and Otter

Ventured out, after the snow had stopped falling. Everything is covered in white, very beautiful. Ran some errands, as my sister is departing in a couple of days. I will be house and dog sitting for the next two months. 

After lunch we drove out to the Spit in search of otters. Found this cute guy floating in the harbor.

This, juvenile bald eagle flew overhead so I captured a couple of quick shot.

 

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

Around Homer

I was working in the store for a few days, not much exciting happened.

Saturday, I took a drive into the hills and found a great view of the Homer Spit.

I drove out to the Spit to see what was happening at the King Salmon Festival. Loads of cars, not many shops or restaurants are open yet. I was looking forward to a nice seafood lunch, didn't happen. 

I wandered around looking for some activity to photograph, but not much was happening. I did have a seagull that flew straight at me. Too close to get a shot, although, I was in great range for the poop that it let out at the perfect time to get my hat, jacket and camera bag.

I came home and rested a bit before going out to find dinner. I had fish and chips at Alice's Champagne, Laura, my waitress was very nice. When she brought my order she told me the cook said one of the pieces was too small and that he was fixing me another piece. It was served nice and hot, just as I was finishing the last piece on my plate. Good meal, nice service, good social distancing and masks in use.

After dinner I headed toward the water to see what was there. I decided to avoid the Spit, due to the traffic as the fishermen were returning. I had just turned onto Kachemak Bay Road when I spied some crows chasing a bird of prey. I pulled to the side of the road, grabbed my camera and started shooting. The crows took off in one direction and this, Short-eared Owl, headed for the trees behind me.

It is starting to warm up and the snow is melting.

Below is a picture of the Homer Spit and one of the pictures of the Owl. there are more pictures in the:

ALASKA PORTFOLIO

 

Homer Spit
Kachemak Bay
Homer Alaska

Short-eared Owl
Kachemak Bay
Homer Alaska

While wandering around I did find that Santa has come to the King Salmon Festival. I believe he was out fishing at the time.

Just for fun a picture of Lola and her tongue.

Golden Eagle Attack

Awoke to snow falling adding a layer to the melting base layer. The snow had been rapidly melting, though they forecasting more snow, it is getting warmer and it is melting away. Soon it will be a muddy mess around here.

I spent the day at the store, it was soooooo slooooowwww, hard to stay awake. I did have an unexpected passerby just after I got to the store.

A Moose wandered by across the street. I just happened to glance up and see it.

When I was at the, Spit, the other day I captured a sequence of shots of a Golden Eagle attempting to get some dinner. 

The intended prey.

Swooping in to pluck dinner from the bay.

Where did they go?

They're back, is he gone?

After missing his intended dinner, he lands on the rocks to regroup.