2019 Mar Release
This little lady couldn't WAIT to get out! She kept pecking at the door and with that long beak I was afraid it would get caught as I opened it so I tried to push her back and she would have none of it! She bolted so fast none of the cameras got her flying!
First Cooper's Hawk Release of the Day
This is ME! I aim two cameras firing away at the box then keep one camera close to hand hold once the box is open. With this Cooper's it didn't matter, he was gone before I got the camera to my eye.
Because this Cooper's original habitat was more rural I was able to capture a couple shots before she got too far away.
To release owls we have to wait till after the sun sets so light is fading fast and it's really hard to capture any action, but it's still a fun photo!
Flying away with some of the mist covered mountains in the background
This lady was brought into the WRCNU (www.wrcnu.org) with a puncture wound from a dog bite. She was stitched up and made a fantastic recovery and is back out in her original neighborhood in time to continue with nesting season.
Four pigeon's lined up and ready to go!
And these pigeons were the far opposite of the Cooper's and Flicker - they didn't want to leave! I sat there for a good 15 minutes. I was sure once one of them left the rest would get the idea so I sat back waiting to get some great photos, but none of them would leave! I finally stuck my arm in and shoo'd this little lady out and then the others came.
Finally out in the sun and kinda liking it!
Again, right toward my face - hah! All the other birds I've released, if given the option, will veer away from me. Not the Cooper's!
He found his way into a tree and sat still for a bit getting acquainted with his new territory.
More mist covered mountains as she rockets to freedom
First Cooper's Hawk Release of the Day
Most of the birds I've released so far are patient about leaving - they let me open things up, then survey their surroundings, then go. Cooper's call me rude names, flip me off, and try to take my eyes out as they go.
"DRIVERS, START YOUR ENGINES!! ...no, really, go, get out of here. You can leave now."
Angry pigeon.
Pano of pigeons. The two white ones and two grey ones had been paired up in the same kennel at the WRC and when they finally took flight they joined each other on their perch.
Quick! Grab the camera!
This tiny little one is hiding - he pulls his eye brows up at an angle to fit in with the vertical lines in tree bark.
