Sit Down and Bird!

One Saturday, I headed down to Madera Canyon in search of the Elf Owls reported near the Santa Rita lodge.  I didn't find the owls, but I did see lots of wild bird action going on.....and what was everyone looking at?

Scrub Jay

Could it be the birdseed on the ground?

A dragon eating a noisy dog or child in the woods?

Or were the birds staring at the people staring at them?

The moon over the canyon was perhaps the best sign of something special happening.

But this Acorn Woodpecker could care less.  He was on the feeder getting his fill. 

This Black Headed Grosbeak could care less as well.

Western Bluebird  Lazuli Bunting(thank you Laurence !) So I did see one afterall:)

Well it turns out several of the male Wild Turkeys(or Toms) were putting on a show for the females and everyone was getting a fantastic show.  That's what I love about the shoots.....you never know what is going to happen.  So I didn't get the Elf Owls, but I did get some fancy turkey moves:)

By the way, the best part about all of this was that you could sit and bird at the Santa Rita Lodge.  I've never really seen this before but the lodge has an amazing area for birders to enjoy Madera Canyon's gems.....However, it's all about the exercise as well.  So I parked my car on the bottom on the canyon and walked up the hill.  I don't mind sitting and birding but there has to be some work out involved....otherwise it's what I call cheating:)

"Once in a Blue Moon"

Here is a series of artsy shots I snapped from a recent trip to Madera canyon.  The theme is "Once in a Blue Moon".

We had gone on a little hike.  My brother and his wife came for a visit.  As we hiked down the trail, I noticed the moon over the canyon.

It was very relaxing and cool.  A little mouse ran around the parking lot area.

Leaves rustled in the background as a nice cool breeze moved through the area.

It's amazing how you can go to the same place and always see something different.

We watched the moon crossing the twilight sky.

When opportunities present themselves......

This shot was taken by my sister-in-law.  If you look closely, you'll see a hawk flying.