Owl

This owl looked so soft. The variation of colors of its feathers is amazing. No wonder it blends in so well when sitting in a tree.

Great Horned Owl

Olivia spotted this Great Horned Owl in the oak tree in the east pasture. The camouflage helped it blend it so well it took me a long time to find it. It sat silently in the same position until there was a rustle on the ground. It targeted immediately on the source of the noise. 

Native Plants in Winter

We leave the native plants up in the winter to provide a landing spot for birds and cover for wildlife. Many of the plants have seeds still in them that can be consumed during the winter. 

Surprise Visit from a Coyote

The dogs were barking incessantly today. When I looked out the window, I saw why: a coyote was right next to the backyard behind the woven wire fence. This bold coyote as well as its companion stayed around for quite a while before disappearing into the west pasture.

Taxidermy

 Some of the many taxidermied animals at Cabela's in Owatonna.

Running Chipmunk

 Saw this chipmunk running off quickly with its tail up high.

Hummingbird

 The hummingbird had just finished eating and was taking off. It's amazing to see hummingbirds fly so quickly, hover, and move in all directions.

A Girl and Her Goose

 At the 4th of July parade in Marine on St. Croix, there was a girl with her goose.

Running Rabbit

 This rabbit was making a mad dash for cover at Loring Park in Minneapolis.

Tree Swallow

 A tree swallow was warming itself in the morning sunlight.

Deer

A young deer in the early morning in the field.

Raccoon

 On a hike in Wisconsin, my sister and I were surprised to see this raccoon in the middle of the day.

Chipmunk

 This chipmunk was enjoying the warmth of the sun.