Tuesday, June 29, 2010

Bobwhite Calling

A friend of mine told me about a very photogenic Bobwhite, who has been making regular visits to a certain signpost at my favorite spot: Goose Lake Prairie State Park every morning. Today, I escaped from work for an hour or so and tried my luck. I couldn't believe what I saw. He was there all right. I heard him before I saw him, so I slowed the car and found that he was running next to my car. That can shock anyone. Anyway, I stopped, he stopped, let out a whistle, and looked at me. He scrambled off a few feet, stopped, let out a whistle, and went on his way. I drove on, turned around, and creeped up again. He found his favorite signpost, flew up on it, and started his morning ritual. I pulled up next to him, took a few shots, went up aways to turn around for a drivers side angle, and shot from across the road. I couldn't believe he stayed. I shot some video, shot a few more stills, and pushed my luck up a notch. I thought I might try some super-detailed shots with this tolerant quail, so I pulled up to about 5 feet away, turned off the car, and shot my heart out. He was incredible. He continued to whistle the entire time.

Of course, you can click on any photo to see the details!



The purple stain around his mouth is from mulberries. It was obvious, as his roosting tree I found him in after his morning session was next to a mulberry tree.










Thanks Bob! I REALLY enjoyed my time with you!

Video to come...

Monday, June 21, 2010

I'm Still Here!

I know, it's been awhile, 2 weeks, give or take, since I have posted. I've been really busy with the yard, and I haven't seen much lately. But I do have a few to share that has happened over the past couple of weeks:

A doe changing it's winter coat from shabby to chick!



A milkweed flowerball full of creatures!



Blue Grosbeak. Extremely rare! A lifer!



A Northern Mockingbird. Extremely elusive around these parts, so snapping a picture was a thrill!

Friday, June 4, 2010

Sibling Rivalry

Looks a bit like a lusty seductive dance, but in fact it's quite a fight between 2 siblings.



They went at it for a few rounds.



Both taking turns attacking.



Mom waited in the wings, as the battle continued...




...until the victor held up his prize!

Thursday, June 3, 2010

Adorable and NOT Adorable!


IMG_9185, originally uploaded by Hannibals Animals.

Here's more from my day with the fox family:

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Adorable...

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Adorable...

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NOT Adorable!

Brown Thrasher Feeding Chick

I got lucky discovering this family teaching the young one to fly. It's skills were quite poor, so the parents took turns coaching the baby to fly in various directions for food. The fence was no help. They pretty much gave in and flew to him after each session.

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Common Nighthawks And 500 Posts

This post is my 500th. I started the blog on June 6th of 2007, so it's almost a 2-fer as anniversaries go! I have had a blast! A BIG thanks to all who visit my little old blog!


Common Nighthawks, originally uploaded by Hannibals Animals.

While taking a break from work outside this morning at about 6:30 a.m., I see a nighthawk in pursuit of his prize. This chase lasted for a good hour, until they both disappeared onto a rooftop where they could have more privacy.

Ugly Duckling


Ugly Duckling, originally uploaded by Hannibals Animals.

I'm sure the duckling who is hiding it's face isn't as hideous as the title suggests.

Cocky Mourning Dove


Cocky Mourning Dove, originally uploaded by Hannibals Animals.

He thinks he's handsome! I think so too!