On cold days, I’m not always excited about putting on all the winter paraphernalia yet another time, especially as the sun is slowly sinking behind the trees; however, today I pushed open the door of my comfort zone and headed out for a chilly hour along the trails in Chagrin River Park.
My first goal was another look at Momma Great Horned Owl, so I chose the trail that led to her dead tree. From my vantage point, a fair distance from the tree, I could see that she was enjoying an afternoon nap, carefully camouflaged in her cozy nest.
Unfortunately the light was too low to capture a clear picture with my Nikon, so I shot a few photographs, turned away and went in search of other nearby birds. Flitting in the treetops along the trail was a black-capped chickadee that was kind enough to pause for a little portrait shoot.
When I reached the fence post at the juncture of two trails, I was happy to find the lady cardinal was still willing to pose…
…as were the blue jay and red-bellied woodpecker…
From a tree that overhangs the split-rail fence, a white-throated sparrow flew down to grab some peanuts; a pre-dinner appetizer perhaps:
By this time, my hands were thoroughly chilled, so I decided it was quitting time. “Tomorrow will be another day,” I said to myself, and hopefully the sun will shine. Walking back to my car, I took the trail that skirts the bog and paused to watch a few mallards that hadn’t gone in for the night.
By now it was really time to leave the trail and go home to download my pictures and get supper on the table. I’ll come back in the morning. Hopefully the light will be better!
SEEN ALONG THE TRAIL 
Oh, you found so many beautiful birds! If you go to that dead tree again later, you might find some owlets like I did last week on an island close to us.
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That’s what I’m hoping! Last March she had two. They were the cutest, yet ugliest, babies I’ve ever seen.
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She had two owlets last year, and I think there is at least one in the nest now, but it has been two dreary and wet to see them this week.
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That mallard picture is wonderful, but I was especially taken with the shot of the little, fluffed-up chickadee.
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The chickadees are adorable. There are lots of mallards on the bog, especially now.
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Excellent shot! Can’t tell that there was bad light!!
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Thanks for that feedback, Camille. The light was very dull, which is pretty normal at this time of year.
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More incredibly beautiful bird photographs
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Thanks, Clare. You are a good friend!
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Amazing, if people would like to know more about birds, please visit: http://www.owlsuniverse.wordpress.com
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Thank you for the suggestion.
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Love the iridescent color on the mallard. Full breeding plumage!
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The male mallards are striking, but I also like the muted colors of the females.
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Wow, nice shots
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Thank you, Kelly. I’m glad to know that you liked them.
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Beautiful
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