1-19-12 * Lower Whatcom Creek

Varied Thrush. The snowfall really brings out these birds.

1-20-12 * Lower Whatcom Creek

I have wondered where the local GBHE roosts, so I went down to the creek early on this very chilly morning.
I found the heron roosting in the very spot that I had suspected.
In the same pine tree where I had seen the RTHA the previous day.
The heron took most of the morning off and remained perched until after 10 AM.




The RTHA with a rat in its talons.

1-20-12 * Lower Whatcom Creek

I followed the RTHA upstream and found it perched in a maple tree.
It was starting to defur the rat, but the crows were beginning to gather in the higher branches.




Trying to evade the crows, it flew to another tree, but the crows were all over it.

1-20-12 * Lower Whatcom Creek

Some time later, I found the RTHA again.
It had moved clear down to the basin area, maybe 1/2 mile downstream from where I had seen it earlier.
The crows were still harassing it, so it took off again looking for a spot to eat in peace. At this point, the Hawk had been carrying this rat around for about 90 minutes.




Back upstream, the RTHA tried this power pole.
For some reason, the crows decided to finally leave it alone.

1-20-12 * my yard

Upon arriving at home, I find three bucks foraging in my yard.
These guys are regular visitors and have gotten used to me.
Usually there are four generations represented, but today, I only saw three.
This one has lost one side of his antlers.


Grandpa

1-21-12 * Lower Whatcom Creek

GCKI


The GBHE is busy fishing.

1-21-12 * Lower Whatcom Creek


BTW, the four letter codes that I use are from a list of 2055 English Name Alpha Codes for bird species.
Easily found on the web.


The GBHE snatches a fish from the creek.

Wow Doug, more fantastic pics I love the one of the squirrel with the red apple Also the pics of the RTHA with the rat in its talons are great. Thanks for sharing your travels with us.