I haven’t written in some time. Life got busy, times got difficult, and now the world is in chaos. I realized recently that I have let myself get into a funk. I am unhappy with how things are right now. I worry how long it will be before we get back to normal. And what will normal be??? I have missed my life before all this craziness began.
I started realizing I needed to do something that will keep me from getting down. So I am going to get out more and explore. I love being behind a camera and see birds and landscapes.
This morning I got up early and drove to Los Poblanos Open Space. With the hot days we’ve had, I figured I needed to be there as close to sunrise as possible.
This morning was gorgeous! Cool and calm, and lots of birdsong.
I had fun taking some scenic photos of the open space while the sun was just rising. I had forgotten how beautiful summer could be in Albuquerque.
I decided to walk the entire perimeter of the open space before going in and bird. This way I could photograph some of the sites during the beautiful dawn light.
Since the Los Poblanos open space is irrigated all summer, it felt so lush and green.
Lots of folks were up early to walk their dogs and enjoy nature. There were a few birders out as well.
After the wonderful dawn light was past, I changed lenses and went birding. I had been hearing a lot of birdsong during my walk and was anxious to get some photos.
One of the first birds I saw was to my surprise, a Lazuli Bunting! This bird has been my nemesis for years. Never could seem to get a decent photo. Finally! I got to see this bird up close and get a few nice shots. A wonderful way to start off a birding day.
Lots of Western Kingbirds were out. They seem to chatter constantly. I love that about them. They are not shy!
In the top of a tree in the distance, I saw a large bird. I knew it was a raptor, but what kind? Once I finally got closer, I saw it was a Swainson’s Hawk. That was another nice surprise.
There were loads of Canada Geese about. They seem to enjoy the flooded fields.
Near the community garden, a few Greater Roadrunners were enjoying the morning. I never tire of seeing a roadrunner. They are so intelligent and have great personalities. It’s always a treat to see our state’s bird. The roadrunners here at the garden as so used to people. I was able to get within 10 feet of the birds and they just ignored me.
Near the end of my walk, I was astonished to see a Barn Owl fly overhead. Wow! I had to track him down and see if I could get a better photo than the quick one I took of him flying over.
I was fortunate that it decided to roost in a visible location right next to the drainage ditch. It had its back to me so was very camouflaged. It took me a few minutes to find him, but was well worth the effort. What a gorgeous sighting!
I had a wonderful birding hike this morning. It definitely helped get me out of my funk. Join me again soon on my next hike. And I will be posting photos from my Nome, Alaska, trip I took this past June!
Glad to see you out and about and finding your groove with exploring and photography again. As always your pics are excellent. Mary and I moved to New Braunfels, TX Jul 19. We love it down here. Getting ready to upgrade to Canon’s newest camera EOS R-6 and the new Canon lens – 100-500 mm. Everything won’t be here until the end of Sep. So I’m waiting, waiting, waiting. I still do all my photos on FB. Check it out when you get a chance – Ed Means. It is an “open to the pulbic” page. Open to all.
Thank you Ed! It’s good to be back. I’m glad you are doing well. Nice to hear you moved to Texas. I love that area. I visited often as a young woman. I’m excited for you to get your new gear. I know you will enjoy it. Take care!
Great to have you back and enjoy your wonderful adventures Kelly. Love all the shots especially the Roadrunner, I would love to see them, they are such an smart and beautiful bird. Praying you experience more peace and safety during this difficult time.
Thank you so much! Good to hear from you. I appreciate your kind words. Take care my friend!
Have been wondering where you’ve been, and glad to hear you’re getting back in the groove. Fabulous photos, too, so hope you’ll keep getting out there and sharing what you find. Lazuli Bunting there has gotten everybody’s attention lately, but you got the best look of all the shots of it I’ve seen. And, come on, a Barn Owl? Wow!
Thank you so much Joe! Appreciate the kind words. It’s good to be back. I couldn’t believe my luck either seeing that barn owl 😁
Hey there… Nice shoot!! A lazuli bunting and. Barn owl !! What a day you had. Although I still think the lazuli bunting you spotted in my backyard was the best ever…LOL
Lol! That was definitely the best sighting of that Bunting 😉🐦 and thank you bestie!
Good to see your pictures again….definitely helps with the funk…..Thanks for sharing your wonderful skills….
Thanks so much Bob! Good to hear from you! Hope you’re doing well! I still listen to your CDs. Love your music!
Great stuff Kelly. You are such a talent!
How do you keep Scarlett from scaring the birds?
Thank you so much! Scarlett grew up with my camera and birding 🙂 she knows to sit still when I lift the camera to take a photo. She’s so smart!
She is. A most wondrous friend.
Nice to see you back! Wonderful photos!
Thank you so much Belinda!
Thanks for writing about the Los Poblanoes open space. The Rio Grande Community Farm planted the of 4 acres of mixed sunflowers,oats, rye and alfalfa that’s found on the both west end of the property. We are a non-profit so please don’t hesitate to send donors to Riograndefarm.org to be able to continue our wildlife seeding.
You’re welcome! I think it’s a wonderful place. Thank you so much for all of your efforts! Do you sell vegetables from the farm? I would definitely be interested and I would be happy to spread the word!
Hi Kelly, Great photos, I love the colorful Bunting and Western Kingbird. We have Eastern Kingbirds in Wisconsin so it is always interesting see the differences. Glad you are getting out and about with your camera, I always get a kick out of the Roadrunners. I also find it a stress reliever to get out in nature with my dog and camera, hopefully soon life will get back to normal.
Thank you Cindy! I’m glad you too have camera and dog. I can’t wait for life to get back to normal. I can’t happen soon enough for me.