Local Feathers~

On By cindy knokeIn Birds, Conservation, MY PHOTOGRAPHS, REVERIES, Wild Life

Stellar Jays live in the pine forests in Southern California’s mountains.

Oregon Dark Eyed Juncos are local birds and are related to sparrows.

Burrowing Owls are “a species of special concern,” in Southern California, where much of their natural habitat has been destroyed by development. Petitions are being submitted to the state to change their status to endangered.

This handsome jay was hanging out on a picnic table, waiting for a handout.

So, of course, I gave him one!

Juncos are quite tiny, and rather shy, so they are hard for me to photograph. This guy was unusually cooperative!

Burrowing owls nest underground to hide from raptors and raise their young. People and organizations all over California are setting up underground Burrowing Owl boxes to help shelter and protect these adorable owls. It is a rare thrill to see them out of the boxes curious about the human who is photographing them! These guys were being sheltered by The Big Bear Zoo & Rehabilitation Center.

Cheers to you from a few of our local feathers~

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261 thoughts on “Local Feathers~”

  14. Wonderful photos, Cindy. Your Stellar Jay shots really celebrate how striking they are. And the owls…so amazing and adorable. And those little juncos are pretty birds. Great post.

    Reply

      1. Magnificent bird photos!

        The light blue feathers on the forehead of the Steller’s jay are intriguing.  I saw some Steller’s jays on a trip west many years ago (and have often seen pix), but those feathers were completely new to me.  Thanks for the link.  Maybe “your” jay’s decorations are a special response to holler hospitality? 😉

        Reply

      2. I wondered if that coloration might be a regional variation. I should clarify, however, that I’m not a biologist: all my degrees are in the social sciences. Everything I know about wildlife is self-taught.

        Thanks for the link!

        Reply

    2. They are sooo small, but they are a bit bulky, with kinda spindly, longish legs. These are stocky little guys, with big heads like all owls, to hold their massive night vision eyes. Here are their specs. Height includes legs:
      Length: 7.5-9.8 in (19-25 cm)
      Weight: 5.3 oz (150 g)

      Reply

  26. Oh, Cindy, I love all of them so much. Absolutely beautiful, each and every one. I’m going to reblog this, so more people can have the thrill of seeing your photographs. If that’s not okay, just let me know and I’ll take it off my blog. So beautiful. <3

    Reply

  27. Pingback: Local Feathers~ — (look at these amazing photographs from Cindy Knoke) | Rethinking Life

  30. We have Steller’s jays here in British Columbia. Last winter there were lots of them spending the winter in Victoria; some came to my feeders. None this winter, though. Juncos are regulars here until May, when they all go elsewhere for the summer. Not burrowing owls, although they do live in Saskatchewan. They were endangered there already back in the ’80s. Pesticides used against grasshoppers were the problem, I think. Not sure how they’re doing now. It’s good to hear people are helping them out where you live. Thanks so much for the photos!

    Reply

    1. This is why I love BC <3 And Vancouver Island is, well nirvana. I am heading up near there soon to see the orcas again. The Department of Fish & Game is fighting the petition to declare California's burrowing owls endangered because they say they can't get a good count. Which is very true. They can't get a good count because there are hardly any left to count. The Department of Fish and Game represents people who love to fish, and people who refer to wild animals and wild birds as "game." Res Ipsa Loquitur.

      Reply

      1. Aargh! The southern resident orcas are also in danger of disappearing, so I hope you manage to see them. More and more people are becoming aware of their plight. Folks like you sharing photos of birds and animals help create awareness.

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        1. I have been twice before to see them. The first trip there were many, the second none, we shall see on the third. Orca behavior is changing due to the absence of prey. It is depressing what we are doing to our beautiful wild world.

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  35. The jays are handsome chaps. So interesting to see the North American variations on sparrow, corvid and owls. Loss of habitat is a massive problem to world over, humans need to make big changes.

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    1. Birds that especially stand out due to coloration and beauty seem more shy and reclusive, as if they know they stand out and are nervous about it. Scientists are actually studying birds for this sense of self in the world.

      Reply

  47. I’d gladly take care of those tiny owls, Cindy! Such stunning creatures, with wisdom pouring from their eyes. We have Jays, but they don’t look like yours. Ours have more white and light blue coloring, without the black crest. Splendid photos — thank you!

    Reply

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