Big birds and other things...

[Snark]

Had a vacation day on Monday and went to the Wild Bird Sanctuary. They deal mostly with raptors; taking in injured and rescued eagles, owls, hawks, etc. They'll rehab the ones they can and release them; the ones that can't be released are permanent guests. It's a pretty cool place and operates totally on donations.

This is Patriot, one of the permanent guests. It's hard to take a bad picture of such a majestic bird.

This is Jake, a Great Horned Owl. He was watching a turkey vulture circle above him.

Another view of Jake:

Oliver, an African Eagle Owl. It's the largest species of owl and can take down a roe deer (which are about 2 feet tall). He was also more interested in the turkey vulture.

More...

 

[Snark]

Some random pics...

This is the John Busch mansion in Washington, Missouri, (circa 1890s, Second Empire style of architecture). He was the older brother of Adolphus Busch of Anheuser-Busch fame. It's purported to be haunted...

I'm on a photography forum and there's usually an informal monthly challenge. The winner of the monthly challenge picks the next month's subject. It's fun to do and sometimes a little nerve-wracking, (trying to come up with 20 to 30 photos on a specific subject).

Last month's challenge was illustrating photography basics. This was one of my examples of contrast.

This one was for leading lines.

Depth of field. Found a spring peeper! Love to hear these little guys.

 

[Snark]

This was for Unexpected Angles. I'm just glad Sparky didn't drool on the lens.

Last one from the monthly challenge. We had to illustrate a quote from Shakespeare. I just bought a new bicycle (the first in over thirty years) but I'd still rather be riding a horse through the Nature Reserve - if only it was allowed. (They don't even allow dogs on leash.)

 

[milos_mommy]

i always love your photos, that first shot is unbelievable.

 

[Zoom]

You don't post near enough!!! You always have such great photos...

 

[Snark]

Thanks! And to think Ben Franklin wanted the turkey for our nation's symbol (he thought eagles had low moral character...)

 

[Pam111]

Really awesome pictures! I love the mansion and the horse in the barn

 

[Buddy'sParents]

Gorgeous!! Post some more.

 

[smkie]

I am always excited when i see you have posted photographs becuase i so enjoy your work. Top of the line...ALways!

Where is the bird sanctuary? I would love to see.

 

[Snark]

Thank you!
Smkie: The Wild Bird Sanctuary is near St. Louis, MO, just down the road from the Wolf sanctuary.

 

[Fran101]

I love jake!! hes so cute

 

[AndrewF]

That's a beautiful series of photographs, Snark!

The Busch house is really well done - and that second shot of Jake is also wonderful.