New Year's Eve

Took some friends out Snowy Owl huntin' today, and just as we were ready to give up.... Waaaaay out in the cornfield there he was- sitting on the pivot on some irrigation equipment. Everyone was able to see him easily with the binoculars, and some other folks viewing let us take a look in their scope. Pretty neat way to end 2011!

Neelah's Demands

"Throw the ball, pathetic human!"

The Green Machine

I had the kennels out of the Green Machine while I was hauling some furniture around, and I just haven't gotten around to putting them back in yet. The boys thought it was very fun to sit and look out after one of our big hikes!

Got The Shot

Finally got a respectable shot of the Snowy owl (from my car!) I posted his whereabouts on the Nebraska Bird list, and a lady thanked me for the directions. She had been waiting 30 years to see this bird. It's a rare sight this far south! Here is more about this awesome bird: Cornell's Page About Snowy Owls

Snowy Owl at Night

Not the best photo op, but a Snowy Owl nonetheless! Hoping he is still hanging out in the same area in the daylight, THAT will make for a better photo!

Naughty or Nice?

Merry Christmas 2011

I had a real treat when I was able to see a Snowy Owl for the first time ever! It was so far away and we had to use spotting scopes to really get a good view, but I was able to see him pretty well, and he practically flew in front of my car. I hope to see more this winter. I will be spending Christmas with family and friends, and the weather is awesome, so I am sure I will be getting outside as well! Health and Happiness!

 Click here to learn more about the Snowy Owl irruption of 2011.

Cows in the Corn

No white Christmas for us, but that is not really a bad thing!

Peek A Boo!

Cooper's Hawk in the front yard.

Up On The Rooftop

Cooper

This is Cooper... he was one of our foster dogs, and now he lives the life of luxury in Kansas! I was able to see him this past weekend when I was in Missouri visiting Squaw Creek National Wildlife refuge. He has lots of land to run and explore, and he is pretty much spoiled. We wouldn't want it any other way.

Spooked!

Got Snow Geese?

Taken at Squaw Creek National Wildlife Refuge, MO

Eagle on Ice

Hmm?

Chilly

This little Rose-Breasted Grosbeak (juvenile) has been hanging around. Now, these guys migrate and get the heck outta cold Nebraska for the winter. Not sure if he is lost, a little slow, or just enjoying the bird buffet that I provide. So, I've nicknamed him "Chilly" and I am keeping high energy/fat foods for him so he can stay warm. He will be a very handsome bird when he gets his adult plumage, I'd love to have him stay around my place!

Double Trouble 2

A couple of Bald Eagles hanging out in the Platte River.

Rainy Day Parade

Rain? In December? I'll take it.

Times Square

One of my favorite places in NYC. I could sit there for hours and watch the screens and the people. Open 24 hours!

Holiday Spirit

Nothing will get you into the holiday mood better than heading to NYC during the holiday season! Had a nice, long weekend in NYC and took in the holiday sights.

Trash Talking

Some trash talking before a snowy dog battle!

Neelah and the Snow

Catching Snow

Caught this little girl on the playground having a snowy good time!

Momma Cardinal

Cardinals are one of the only brightly colored birds that hang around for the winter and stand out in the bleak landscape. I love both the males and females.

Frosty Frisbee

The cold and snow are not keeping us down...... too much. Today we'll be able to get in a hike since the high is a balmy 32F degrees! The dogs are sure loving the snow!

Staying Warm

It's COLD here now. Like, un-fun cold. The birds have been chowing like crazy, and this poor dove has been huddling under bushes trying to stay warm. I did provide a heated birdbath for non-freezing drinks!

Graffiti

Snowy Morning Junco

Snowy Morning Waxwing

It's sleeting and snowing this morning, and the birds are running around with berries and nuts like old people at a Saturday morning garage sale! They know a snow is coming and they are stocking up at the buffet. Here is a Cedar Waxwing enjoying the berries from my Bradford Pear. (which is super messy, so please hurry up and strip it clean!)

The Lion and the Lamb

Hop, Skip, and a Jump

Thru the Trees

Golden

Thanksgiving Survivors

Bald Eagle 2

Bald Eagles are migrating thru, and just a hop, skip, and a jump from my house! I've been lucky enough to see them several days in a row. Always a treat to see these magnificent raptors.

Juvenile Eagles

Black Friday

No shopping for me.... I slept in, and now I am going to go hike around Hitchcock Nature Center. It's cloudy, but the weather is warm and it will feel good after stuffing ourselves yesterday!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Being a vegetarian around Thanksgiving is not hard at all. In fact, I get to load up on all the side dishes and I don't get sleepy from the turkey. My favorite of all is the deviled eggs, specifically Melissa's secret recipe. They are like crack cocaine and I could ingest the whole bunch! Today I will be celebrating with friends and family and furkids! I have much to be thankful for..... especially those darn deviled eggs!

The Fab 4

Here's the pack, taking a break from a nice, long hike!

Catch Me If You Can

Treo and Tazer love chasing each other when we go for hikes. They each take turns being the "chaser" and the "chased". Their favorite part is running like psychos in the tall prairie grass and bouncing all over the place.

Teamwork

This past weekend there was a junior handler running her 3 legged Jack Russel. They were a fun team to watch and they did awesome! That little dog was quite fast despite missing a leg, and he even beat some of the other dog's times! This team does not let anything hold them back!

Another Red-Tailed Hawk

These guys are out in full force right now. The leaves are gone, and it makes prey much easier to track down. I see and hear them every day.

One of These Things....

....is not like the other!

A Boy and his Stick

The Hiker

Asha loves going for hikes. It's always a little adventure for her.

Thorns 2

On the Trail

This awesome fall weather is making for some awesome (and strangely warm!) hikes with the dogs. I an actually looking forward to some cooler temps and a little snow on the ground to make our hikes a little more romp-worthy!

Off The Beaten Path

This past weekend I decided to go off the beaten path hiking. I was trying to follow a Kingfisher, but he escaped me. So, I decided to hike into some dense pines and see if I could find anything photo-worthy. There, staring right back at me, was a handsome Barred Owl. He let me get within 10 feet of him, and he did not seemed worried about me at all. I am very glad I chose the path less-traveled, it was very rewarding!