Keith J. Freeburn

The four corners female stretches on her evening perch Her mate was hunting nearby, and the little ones were exploring up high in a tree not too far away
Barred owl (Strix varia)
Nikon Z8 with Nikkor Z 180-600mm f/5 6-6 3

Possessed?!
One of the four corners owlets closes its nictitating membranes while calling to mom and dad
Barred owlet (Strix varia)
Nikon Z8 with Nikkor Z 180-600mm f/5 6-6 3

The four corners female looks down toward the stream for prey to catch for her little ones

It was great to see the Red-shouldered hawk (Buteo lineatus) pair that nested in my backyard 2 years ago have been successful at their new nest They have at least one little one that they are working hard to feed
Nikon Z8 with Nikkor Z 180-600mm f/5 6-6 3

Sleepy boos!
The four corners twins get some sleep while waiting for a meal delivery from mom and dad
Barred owlets (Strix varia)

I walked 12,000 steps the other evening to observe 3 adjacent Barred owl (Strix varia) territories As I walked through the four corners territory, I heard owls calling from the upstream edge of it Last year, I had watched a pair raise their little ones in that territory, but the county had cut down the nesting tree, and I did not follow them through the winter As I walked into this territory, I spotted a familiar bird and took several photos of her This is the bird I call big head momma (she really has a large noggin!) I saw her mate hunting from a well hidden perch and then heard a call that made me smile I didn't see it, but I heard at least one little one calling from the canopy They must've found another site in the territory to nest this season

Gular flutter!
It was a humid evening, and this guy was cooling off in the shade The gular flutter helps to cool the bird by allowing evaporation of fluid in the throat
Barred owl (Strix varia)

This guy flew to a nice looking perch, but unfortunately it was too close to a Blue-gray gnatcatcher nest Even though they are extremely small, they are very effective at driving away much larger birds of prey
Barred owl (Strix varia)

Look out below!!
Harpy eagle (Harpia harpyja)

Tongue out while attempting to expel a pellet
Harpy eagle (Harpia harpyja)