Sunday, November 21, 2010

Scenic Sunday


Something a little different for today's Scenic Sunday post. My Sunny Side Up friend, Eve, and I went on a birding expedition in January of this year with the North Alabama Birdwatching Society. The group was allowed to tour a private farm somewhere close to Guntersville called Hawk Farm, known and named for massive amounts of hawks that nest and raise a family in this habitat. It's easy to see why. The farm parallels the Tennessee River close to Guntersville Lake offering forests of trees and towering cliffs for perching and nesting. Also, the farm crops are oh so inviting to rabbits and all manner of tasty beasties hawks love. And just look at all those temptingly convenient rows of trees nestled among the farmland and fields. Perfect outposts for hungry hawks and other raptors. What's not to love?



Well, we didn't particularly love the temperatures on this day, and we didn't see many hawks. Temperatures were freezing and the wind chill made seeing and even holding a camera very difficult. Morgan and Kayla, our daughters, chose to stay in the car and talk. Eve and I occasionally took refuge within the vehicle's sun-warmed confines as well. While the birdwatching experience wasn't one of the best the overall experience was stellar! We enjoyed the view and farm tremendously and are thankful for the experience. Thank you, Hawk Farm, once again.



Hawk Farm makes a right nice "planet," don't you think?


For some truly spectacular scenes around the world please visit Scenic Sunday's meme and click around! Tell them I sent ya!

13 comments:

eileeninmd said...

Nice post and photos! I enjoyed reading about your birding experince and about the farm. Sorry, you were not able to see more birds. It is wonderful that the farm allowed the birders on their property.

LifeRamblings said...

such a beautiful farm. looks like a wonderful place to visit. great captures.

Eve said...

OH I do!! That was a great memory to bring back Debi! It was cold but so enjoyable. Remember we saw a Shrike and that will always make your day!
Thanks for linking me too! Wonderful photos! When I saw that first one I knew right were it was!!

Gaelyn said...

This farm does look like primary hawk country. Sure hope you get to go back, maybe in better weather, and see more hawks.

I love that last image! How did you do that?

The Giraffe Head Tree said...

Gaelyn - send me an e-mail I can respond to and I'll tell you how to do it. When I try to connect to your e-mail my computer tries to take me to Outlook and I don't HAVE Outlook. Lordy, I need tech support!

The Giraffe Head Tree said...

Eve! I remember that shrike - my first one ever and you were with me! I also recall the next trip we took and the piliated woodpecker - my first - and you were with me. YOU are my good luck charm!

Naquillity said...

love your photos. i especially like the way you made it into your very own planet. i've never been bird watching but hawks seem to catch my attention as of late. i have a slideshow of a hawk on my blog if you'd like to see it. glad you had a nice time with your friend/ family. have a great night.

Carol said...

What a beautiful farm Debi! Somehow I have a hard time thinking of it ever being really cold down yonder! Though I recall when but a wee babe in Georgia, the cold even of the south could hurt! Now after over thirty years living in New England I am more acclimated to real cold. Your photos are lovely and I know how it can sometimes be hard to hold the camera. Your mandala planet is so gorgeous! I do not know how you do that. ;>))

sunflowerkat said...

Out here on Long Island, the winter months offer some great birding opps. My friend and I have just learned to layer up and make sure we have a thermos of hot tea in the car.
:)

I love your photos of the farm. I think bare trees look like sculptures. And, the images made an amazing "planet".

Kat

NatureFootstep said...

nice photographesever without birds. :)

Unknown said...

You got some nice photos in spite of the cold! Have a wonderful Thanksgiving Day!

Cheers!
Julie
Julie Magers Soulen Photography

joey said...

A lovely way to spend a Sunday. Thank you for sharing.

Anonymous said...

Your hawkfarm planet makes for a great Iris to view other planets from.

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