**** Wildlife Photographs ****

[skywatch]

A few minutes ago, I heard some death screeching of a small animal behind the fence. I looked up to see this red shoulder hawk staring back at me as if thinking, "You know nothing, you see nothing..." Photo using the zoom feature on my iPhone is all I got.

[skywatch]

Spotted towhee trilling out about territory this evening. One of the prettiest birds in our garden.

[skywatch]

California quail, dad guarding the family as they forage under the bushes.

[crownpuller]

Found this little guy on our drive earlier.
Thinking it was injured, went to pick it up (gardening gloves) and put in a box with a rag in - As soon as I lifted it, it flew out of my hands; but only as far as my car. It clung to the side upside down, so I offered up a plastic lid of water, which it took to with some enthusiasm.
It then crawled onto the roof of the car where I'd set the water:



It did not like me moving a box close to it to give it some shade; but it has since tucked itself up against said box.

[gnuyork]

Found this little guy on our drive earlier.
Thinking it was injured, went to pick it up (gardening gloves) and put in a box with a rag in - As soon as I lifted it, it flew out of my hands; but only as far as my car. It clung to the side upside down, so I offered up a plastic lid of water, which it took to with some enthusiasm.
It then crawled onto the roof of the car where I'd set the water:



It did not like me moving a box close to it to give it some shade; but it has since tucked itself up against said box.

A couple months ago I opened my garage door and saw something immediately drop our of the sky and land in the driveway. It was a bat, and it sounded like it was crying or whining. I got closer to inspect it, but had no idea what to do. He seemed like he was in pain, so I took a stick and moved him gently and saw blood. I then lifted him a bit and saw his guts were torn out. I'm guessing he was attacked by a hawk or an owl. I then had to make the decision to leave him there to suffer or put him out of his misery, which I did with a swift blow of a shovel. I then immediately buried him. I always feel bad in these situations. I don't like to see any creature suffer, man or animal.

[skywatch]

^^ Looks like dehydration and heat stroke, maybe, poor little critter. I hope the water helped.

This lovely acorn woodpecker graced us with his presence yesterday, dropping by for a peanut snack.

[crownpuller]

^^ Looks like dehydration and heat stroke, maybe, poor little critter. I hope the water helped.

This lovely acorn woodpecker graced us with his presence yesterday, dropping by for a peanut snack.

Update:
The bat was still clinging to the side of my car cover this morning.


I'd rather hoped it would have joined the other bats (we get a fair few swooping around at dusk most evenings) when they came out. Offered up the lid of water again and it took another good drink.
At the advice of the Bat Protection Trust, we wrapped it up in a towel and placed it in a shoe box. Took it to the local rescue place; who told us it's a 'Serotine' that appeared exhausted. They said a couple of days rest should see it right. They also said they'd let us know when they were ready to release it if we were interested in seeing it 'go free'. They also said there's a good chance it'll come straight back to our house as it may well have been roosting in our eaves.
We also had a bit of a giggle when the lady said that Serotines were large bats for 'around here'..... we've seen bats 3 times the size of it around our house on a regular basis.


Regarding the woodpecker: We also have a regular visitor to our peanut basket (when the blue tits take a break ... which isn't very often )



Lousy pic. I know, but the best I've managed to get so far.

[pacifico66]

This little guy doing his thing did not seem bothered by my fishing near his spot

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[pacifico66]

My fishing buddy the Osprey on the lake

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[Lonestar]

Butterflies and bees enjoying our Aster

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