F/13.0, 1/640, ISO 400.
Merlin
Did you hear that Mr. Clean is in the hospital?
Yeah, he has ammonia.
Interesting Facts: Though it’s not much bigger than the more common American Kestrel, the Merlin is heavier and often appears considerably larger. As with most raptors, female Merlins are larger than males. ( https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Merlin )
F/8.0, 1/250, ISO 160.
Common Goldeneye
What did the salad say when the cabbage interrupted their meal?
Lettuce alone!
Interesting Fact: The eyes of a Common Goldeneye are gray-brown at hatching. They turn purple-blue, then blue, then green-blue as they age. By five months of age they have become clear pale green-yellow. The eyes will be bright yellow in adult males and pale yellow to white in females. ( https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Common_Goldeneye )
F/6.3, 1/100, ISO 500.
Wild Turkey
What exam do young witches have to pass?
A spell-ing test!
Interesting Fact: Wild Turkeys get around mostly by walking, though they can also run and fly—when threatened, females tend to fly while males tend to run. At sundown turkeys fly into the lower limbs of trees and move upward from limb to limb to a high roost spot. ( https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Wild_Turkey/lifehistory )
F/7.1, 1/200, ISO 250.
Steller’s Jay
Do you want to hear a joke backwards?
Yes…
Very good, START LAUGHING!
Interesting Fact: An excellent mimic with a large repertoire, the Steller’s Jay can imitate birds, squirrels, cats, dogs, chickens, and some mechanical objects. ( https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Stellers_Jay/lifehistory )
F/11.0, 1/500, ISO 400.
Ring-billed Gull
What should you do if you’re afraid of elevators?
Take steps to avoid them.
Interesting Fact: Ring-billed Gulls are strong, graceful flyers. They can race along at more than 40 miles per hour, and they’re adept at snatching food from the air. ( https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Ring-billed_Gull/lifehistory )
F/7.1, 1/160, ISO 500.
Tufted Titmouse
Why did the artist bring a pencil and paper to a duel?
He wanted to draw his weapon.
Interesting Fact: Tufted Titmice flit from branch to branch of the forest canopy looking for food, often in the company of other species including nuthatches, chickadees, kinglets, and woodpeckers. When they find large seeds, such as the sunflower seeds they take from bird feeders, titmice typically hold the seed with their feet and hammer it open with their beaks. ( https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Tufted_Titmouse/lifehistory )
F/8.0, 1/250, ISO 320.
Green-Winged Teal
Why shouldn’t you let Elsa hold your balloon?
Because she will let it go, let it gooooooooo
Interesting Fact: Green-winged Teal eat mainly aquatic invertebrates and seeds. They feed in shallow water, near shorelines, on mudflats, and in agricultural fields, taking advantage of whatever foods are most abundant. Migrating and wintering birds may feed at night or during the day. On the water they dabble along the surface where they pluck or strain seeds and invertebrates, and dip their head and neck or tip up to reach submerged food. ( https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Green-winged_Teal/lifehistory )
F/7.1, 1/200, ISO 400.
White-breasted Nuthatch
What was the murderer’s last request to the priest as he sat in the electric chair?
Will you hold my hand?
Interesting Fact: White-breasted Nuthatches forage up, down, and sideways over tree trunks and around large branches. They often (though not always) start high in trees and move down them head first, pausing to crane their necks up and back, toward the horizontal, for a look around. They probe into bark crevices or chip away at wood to find food. ( https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/White-breasted_Nuthatch/lifehistory )
F/10.0, 1/400, ISO 400.
Peregrine Falcon
What does a teddy bear say when you offer it a sandwich?
“No thanks, I’m stuffed”
Interesting Fact: Peregrine Falcons are very strong fliers and often reported to be the fastest bird in the world. Their average cruising flight speed is 24 to 33 mph, increasing to 67 mph when in pursuit of prey. When stooping, or dropping on prey with their wings closed, it’s been calculated that Peregrine Falcons can achieve speeds of 238 mph. One researcher studied trained Peregrine Falcons while skydiving and described their body position while diving at 150 mph and 200 mph. ( https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Peregrine_Falcon/lifehistory )
F/10.0, 1/400 ISO 320.
Sandhill Cranes
Did you hear the one about the roof?
Never mind, it’s over your head.
Interesting Fact: Sandhill Cranes mate for life, choosing their partners based on dancing displays. Displaying birds stretch their wings, pump their heads, bow, and leap into the air. Although each female usually lays two eggs, only one nestling typically survives to fledge. Mated pairs and their juvenile offspring stay together all through the winter, until the 9- to 10-month-old juveniles finally separate from their parents the following spring. ( https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Sandhill_Crane/lifehistory )
Through Open Lens 