Todays adventure (dial-up beware!)

[jbird]

I headed to the woods adjacent to my new house (Still another 5 weeks before I can move in :-( ) The temps soared to 1 above zero so i was motivated to get out :-)

I used my new calls to try to bring in some birds and got lots of responses. But nothing came into documentation range. as I sat in the warmth of my truck, I thought, ya know?..I havent tried an owl yet. theres rumors of barred owls wintering in wisco so I though what the hay! I qued up the barred owl call and after one single call, a large bird soars toward me from the depths of the woods. I get out of the truck and approach. He was high up in a tree and didnt stay for long but I did get a couple OK shots.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v283/jbird35/JDS_5972.jpg

Needless to say, I was excited! My first owl photo op!


I talked to him for a bit longer as he was out there somewhere hooting back. After a bit longer I decided to head to another access to the same forest.

as I approached the spot, I saw some birds moving on the ground. I pull up and see some deer remains being burried by the falling snow. Chickadees and woodpeckers were busy with the carcass.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v283/jbird35/JDS_6265.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v283/jbird35/JDS_6120.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v283/jbird35/JDS_6007.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v283/jbird35/JDS_6084.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v283/jbird35/JDS_6151.jpg

Chickadees sang happily around the feast...
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v283/jbird35/JDS_6040.jpg

Click for video (turn up your volumn)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v283/jbird35/th_JDS_6068.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v283/jbird35/?action=view&current=JDS_6068.mp4)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v283/jbird35/th_JDS_6071.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v283/jbird35/?action=view&current=JDS_6071.mp4)


Suddenly a funny face popped out of a carcass cavity!
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v283/jbird35/JDS_6201.jpg

I happened to be on the phone with my buddy Curtis at this time and he ID'd the description as an Ermine. He was extremely excited, being a professional wildlife photographer, hes only seen one before and it was in Yellowstone. Wish I couldve got a full body shot to see the black tip on his tail. He was fast as greased lightning!
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v283/jbird35/JDS_6202.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v283/jbird35/JDS_6204.jpg

A couple White tails to round it off!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v283/jbird35/JDS_5571.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v283/jbird35/JDS_5657.jpg

Hopefully youre still awake after all that ;-)

[Larry S]

jbird:
More good stuff! Sitting here sipping a bourbon/water, listening to Diana Krall, and
looking at great shots. You caught that ermine dead on! You're gonna forget
all about fishing, if you keep this up.
My brothers-in-law tell me that ice fishing is on next week's menu; Michigan's
Saginaw Bay.
Still waiting for my cardinal shot. Where are they?
Fished San Diego's Blacks Beach this morning. Strong south longshore current.
I'm thinking - this is "swinging for surf perch." Caught a few "DFG stockers."
Best to you,
Larry S

[jbird]

I think the cardinals are in the bigger cities. Ive heard of lots of sightings but none around here. May have to go to Wausau.

Im finding photography so similar to fishing, it's a good substitute in winter.

The great thing about photography is there are subjects all around you so you usually dont have to go too far....unless you want to.

Id love to see some of your catches down at the beach. Ever carry a camera?

[Larry S]

might all be moving to warmer winter climes -- ala Albert Puhols!

I've become a minimalist when surf fishing at Blacks. That climbs back to the Glider Port
parking lot is taking its toll on my 70-ish body. No suggestions about full-body wet
wading, please! There is a photog that hangs out at the Glider Port. He has some amazing
shots of the fliers, etc. Last week, he showed me some great prints of a young
red tail hawk that spent some time there. Also, one of the pilots takes a falconer up with
him. If you PM me your address, I'll send you several of his prints. He gives me a good
deal on them and I have used some as presents. We have the San Diego Open @
Torrey Pines to contend with next week. Parking gets scarce.
Best,
Larry S

[Adam Grace]

Nice shots!

[jbird]

Adam!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Great to see you buddy! Where are you these days?

[Scott V]

Beautiful ermine! I bet he stank though from where he was hiding.