The Flickr Wendyjohnson Image Generatr

There is a season called spring
that I know nothing of.
I’ve never seen the flowers
that come from April showers.
Spring in my mind
has only brought pooling water
with garbage intertwined.
My faithful Xtratufs are ready.
I know they’ll go steady
for yet another round.
Sloshing through the mud
and the muck on the ground.
I keep my winter gear near
knowing that winter is still really here!
But soon the melting ice and snow will clear, and summer will appear!

By: Wrangellmtngrl

While rare in the wild, Northern hawk owls offer a captivating glimpse into the natural world with their unique seasonal behaviors. Spotting one perched on a spruce tree is a thrilling experience for birdwatchers, especially during late winter or early spring when these magnificent birds actively seek nesting sites, mates, and prey. Their remarkable tolerance of humans allows for surprisingly close encounters, making them even more intriguing. However, during the breeding season, their protective instincts kick in, and they can become fiercely aggressive, employing dramatic dive-bombing techniques to defend their young. With their razor-sharp talons poised for action, these majestic owls remind us of the wonders of wildlife and the beauty of nature’s delicate balance.

The squirrels in my backyard forest have been remarkably lively, captivatingly displaying nature's wonders. I've captured video footage of a vibrant red squirrel energetically stuffing fluffy material into its mouth to build its nest. Meanwhile, other squirrels are busy gathering cones, while some are playfully chasing one another. I was especially charmed when one squirrel dashed before me, stopping as if to say, "I bet you can't see me!" I seized the moment to engage with him in my best squirrel mimicry as he graciously posed for some photos before racing up the nearest spruce tree. It's a powerful reminder of the beauty and vitality of the natural world, as even the wildlife exudes joy and anticipation for the arrival of spring.

I was able to witness a male spruce grouse amid his courtship display. As I spent time observing him, I was captivated by his strutting, wing-flapping, and tail-fanning, which showcased his vibrant mating rituals. It was amusing to realize I was the only female presence around. Eventually, in a surprising twist, he decided I wasn't his ideal mate and flew into a nearby spruce tree. I couldn't help but chuckle as I bid him farewell and resumed my hike, thrilled by the unique experience I had just encountered.

A varied thrush has been spotted on a nearby trail cam, marking a delightful return as the first spring visitor of the season. While we missed seeing any snow buntings this year, the arrival of this striking bird brings a sense of renewal and excitement to our surroundings. Let’s celebrate the beauty of spring together!

The Spruce Grouse is a stunning example of nature's beauty. It captivates audiences with its ability to create mesmerizing sounds using its feet, wings, and tail. During its courtship display, a male grouse produces enchanting swishing and whooshing noises while confidently strutting, sweeping his tail to one side, and stepping with the opposite foot—a striking wobble that draws the eye.

The soft rasps of his feathers and the whoosh of his fan-like tail evoke the elegance of a performer snapping open a fan. This blend of visual and auditory charm creates a breathtaking spectacle, showcasing the unique allure of the Spruce Grouse and the wonders of nature. Witnessing this display is truly an unforgettable experience.

HSS!

Happy Easter from our house to yours!

Alaskan porcupines are truly remarkable creatures, showcasing exceptional climbing skills. They effortlessly scale trees in pursuit of fresh growth and foliage, indulging in bark, leaves, buds, and fruit. But their talents don't stop there! Beyond their sharp quills, these fascinating animals can swim, sing, and dance. While their climbing prowess is impressive, what struck me most was the expression on one porcupine's face—it was as if it were in a state of panic. This captivating blend of abilities and emotions makes the Alaskan porcupine a truly extraordinary animal.

Sharp-shinned hawks, members of the Accipiter family, are skilled hunters known for capturing songbirds, small mammals, and larger insects. These hawks prefer nesting in old spruce trees and thrive in wooded habitats. With 21 to 25-inch wingspans and weights of 3.5 to 6 ounces, they are crucial in maintaining ecological balance, making them invaluable to our ecosystem.

Like their fellow subspecies, Alaska moose are remarkable herbivores that thrive on a diet rich in terrestrial vegetation, particularly forbs and new shoots from willow and birch trees. What truly sets them apart is their astonishing daily caloric intake, which can reach an impressive 9,776.5 calories! Despite the absence of upper front teeth, these majestic creatures adapt beautifully, employing eight sharp incisors on their lower jaw, a tough tongue, resilient gums, and flexible lips to chew through even the most challenging woody vegetation expertly. This incredible adaptability highlights the strength and resourcefulness of the Alaska moose in their natural habitat.

The common redpoll (Carduelis flammea) is a small, striking finch with a unique combination of brown and gray feathers, a rosy chest, and a distinctive red cap. Thriving year-round in the harsh conditions of subarctic regions and northern forests, redpolls exhibit remarkable resilience to freezing temperatures.

Redpolls employ ingenious survival tactics, such as sleeping in snow tunnels to endure the long Arctic nights and conserve body heat. Their unique anatomical features, including an esophageal diverticulum and a throat pouch, allow them to store seeds and consume them later in warmer, safer spots. Furthermore, by fluffing their contour feathers, redpolls create an insulating layer of air to stay warm, showcasing their resourcefulness.

Observing these resourceful birds, the redpolls, hanging upside down while foraging is a powerful reminder of nature’s incredible adaptability and survival skills. Their ability to thrive in the harshest of conditions is truly inspiring.

Only two species of owl will hunt primarily in the daytime. These are the Northern Hawk Owl and the Northern Pygmy Owl. Both of these birds have hunting habits that are more similar to those of a Hawk or an Eagle. The Northern Hawk Owl's diet consists of snowshoe hares and smaller rodents like squirrels, voles, and lemmings.

I am deeply committed to mastering the art of capturing stunning photographs of owls in flight. Last night, I was lucky enough to have an owl return, giving me another invaluable opportunity to refine my skills. Every moment I spend on this pursuit brings me closer to producing striking images that showcase the beauty and grace of these incredible creatures, inspiring others to appreciate them as I do.

A porcupine boasts an impressive 30,000 quills covering its body, which raises an intriguing question: What happens when one of these quills becomes lodged in its nose? We know that for dogs, unattended quills can lead to serious complications. Look at this porcupine's nose—sporting a visibly protruding quill. With the barb at the end of the quill, one must wonder: how does it remove it? Or do porcupines remain unfazed by the potential risks of such a predicament?

I've been passionately trying to photograph our resident owl in flight, and while I may not be the best at it yet, with each attempt, I'm getting closer to capturing something spectacular. If only the owl would glide a little more slowly, my task would become much easier, allowing me to seize a remarkable shot.

This magnificent creature has spent the afternoon in our yard, infusing our surroundings with the beauty of nature while diligently helping to manage the rodent population. As the snow gently falls and the wind picks up, watching the owl perched high in our trees, embracing the wild elements, is a delight.

However, we have a weather advisory for stronger winds tonight, and I hope that the owl finds its way home safely. I have no doubt we'll have the pleasure of seeing it again tomorrow, and each encounter reminds us of the incredible wildlife that shares our world.

HSS! Posted for Sliders Sunday-Post Processed to the Max!

Our yard has become a stage for an extraordinary visitor, a bird whose hunting prowess leaves me in awe. With remarkable skill, it tirelessly tracks down voles and shrews, showcasing the raw beauty of nature in action. Perched high in the branches of our larch trees, it surveys its surroundings keenly, ready to pounce on its next meal. What fascinates me most is its reliability; after a successful hunt, it briefly disappears but soon reemerges, triumphant and proud, its beak marked by the evidence of its victory. This magnificent bird highlights the wonders of the natural world and infuses our outdoor space with an exhilarating sense of life and excitement.

This morning, our beloved owl—the steadfast guardian of our yard—returned to its favorite hunting ground. Nestled atop our larch tree, it had a perfect vantage point over the snow-free terrain surrounding our buildings. While I didn't witness its successful hunt today, just yesterday, I watched in awe as it skillfully captured a rodent and carried it triumphantly to the top of the larch tree before heading deeper into the forest for a hearty meal. Given my aversion to mice and shrews, I can't express enough gratitude to both the ermine and the owls for their relentless efforts in keeping our yard free of these unwanted pests. Their dedication protects our space and enhances our environment's natural balance.

There is no rest for this bird. Since six this morning, this owl has been making its rounds through our yard in search of a tasty rodent for its morning meal. It must constantly adapt to the presence of the gray jays, which are always on its tail. It finally attempted a rodent near our shelter logic but came up short. As it returned to the tree, here came the camp robbers again. Finally, the poor owl moved deeper into the forest, hoping not to be bothered by the annoying screech of the jays. I hope it was able to find something to fill its stomach. Ninety-four percent of the hawk owl's diet is red-backed voles and mice. This owl will occasionally take insects, mammals as large as hares, and birds as large as grouse. They will also cache surplus food, such as mice near the nest. The owl may take a higher percentage of birds during the winter when mice are more challenging to hunt.