WALK2926 red-shouldered hawk Yates Mill2014

Last Tuesday, in the misty midmorning at Yates Mill, this red-shouldered hawk was focused far beyond my presence.

There were 3 bald eagles at Yates Mill Nature Preserve today.  It is rare to see a single bald eagle over the Mill Pond.  Today I was blessed to see 3.  The first 2 photos are of the adults.  The 3rd photo is of the adults chasing each other – sorry the photo is not better – but they quickly chased each other out of the reach of my lens.  The 4th photo is of the 3 year old immature bald eagle.  He/she was very interested in the action between the adults.  Just like the teenager he is.  He will have to make it through 2 more years before he is ready to find a mate of his own.

WALK2114 2nd adult eagle Yates Mill 2014

WALK2111 1st adult eagle Yates Mill 2014

WALK2120 pr adult eagles Yates Mill 2014

WALK2132 3 yo eagle Yates Mill 2014

WALK1822 kingfisher 1 step off perch 2014

Male belted kingfisher a split second after launch toward the pond and a fresh fish.

IMG_8984 sun dog 22 halo YM small 2014

sun dog formation, 22 degree sun halo over Yates Mill Pond, Raleigh, NC   November 18, 2014 11:08:22 AM iPhone photo

IMG_2462 yellow rumped warbler 2014 (1)

Yellow-rumped warblers are often seen whirling past as two chase each other; this one stopped just long enough for me to catch his profile.