The Raptors That Live Next Door

A pair of Red-shouldered Hawks have taken up residence in my neighborhood and it is nesting season. I managed to get a few shots of the female from my film camera. I think it's the female because according to my field guide, the females are larger and I've seen them together. In fact I observed them mating at this perch, but unfortunately I didn't get the avian porn on film.

This is an Oregon Junco.

Goldfinch

Violets, my favorite flower.

From this perch on another day she swooped down and grabbed a quick snack of meadow vole. My ability to shoot wildlife is limited because these birds sit (oh yeah, it's the birds' fault, heh, heh) and stare at the field for a long time and I could never tell when they would take off. I do know when they are near because they have a distinctive cry. Normally shy, the Red-shouldered Hawk isn't usually seen around where people frequent the way the Red-tail Hawks are. I've seen Red-tail Hawks take Mourning Doves right out of my backyard. Maybe this mom-to-be is checking out the availability of easy meals. OMG, Mia only weighs six and a half pounds!

Death Took Too Long

Death took too long
to find her
small, gray, quiet
it came bit by bit
the guilt
came in torrents
Gray Kitty's not a proper name
but that was it for her
unassuming, purring
till near the end
Did I do right by you?


(Am I a writer of poetry? Not only no, but hell no. These are just some words that fell out of my head today in my sorrow over the death of one of my cats, the blind, the elderly, Gray Kitty. It was her time.)

Gray Kitty
The stray that chose us many years ago.
R.I.P.
March 20, 2008
Lay in the sunshine...

The BIG 5-OH! Oh No!

Ouch! I recently suffered through an unfortunate milestone birthday. Here's the good part:

Meet Mia!

My birthday present and new addition to the family "zoo". She's a pom-chi-poo. Part pomeranian, chihuahua and poodle -in other words, your basic mutt. She is 4 months old and weighs 6 pounds so far. What's not to love? I've been busy training and socializing her so I haven't made my usual blog rounds. My animal loving blogpals will understand. Mia has made me forget all about starting another half century (not really, but I can dream). I'm sure I'll post lots more pictures later and bore everyone silly.