I have a passion for the outdoors and I am most happy enjoying what nature has to offer. Hobbies include photography, birding, Pickleball, astronomy, biking, and hiking. I have been happily married, for 50 years, to an amazing person.
Sheila’s Wildlife Photos: ~Mule Deer in Rocky Mountain National Park~
Mule Deer (male)
These Mule deer images were taken in September, 2012 in Rocky Mountain National Park. They were in a meadow munching on vegetation; it was fun to photograph and observe their behavior.
Close Up of his Big EarsChatting
Mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus) are indigenous to western North America and are found west of the Missouri River. They are named Mule deer, because they have big ears like a mule.
A most handsome face“I might try this one”“Go Away!”
While having coffee yesterday morning, on the deck, Howard and I could hear Canada Geese honking. Two flocks flew directly over head, bringing signs of fall with them. I can’t believe I don’t have an image of a Canada Goose. Note to self – take one!
~Fall~ (photo taken in Rocky Mountain National Park 09/2012)
I photographed these Cedar Waxwings in March, 2013 at South Llano State Park. Waxwings are gregarious and true to this description I saw many of them.
Red, waxy tips on secondary wing feathers are often indistinct and sometimes absent altogether. All waxwings have sleek crests, silky plumage and yellow-tipped tails. Where berries are ripening, waxwings come to feast in amiable, noisy flocks. [description taken from one of my favorite birding books “National Geographic Field Guide to the Birds of North America.]
The “Smithsonian Handbook: Birds of North America, Western Region” states the description of the red, waxy tips differently. It states – the purpose of the “red wax” is long-debated, but younger birds do not have it and the older birds that do often choose each other as mates and produce more young that the younger pairs.
Waxwings eats fruit, flower petals and insects; and drinks sap. One way to distinguish between males and females is the color of the throat. Females have a brownish throat, the males a blackish throat.
Still Looks WinteryBerries and a shy Cedar WaxwingLovely Cedar Waxwing
I might have mentioned before, South Llano State Park in Junction, Texas is one of my all time favorites.
Sunset Colors ~On the South Llano River~ [this photo taken in November, 2011An Old Picket Fence (photo taken at South Llano State Park in November, 2011)