Memorial Day Fun!

So there is lots going on! I decided to sell my house and downsize to a townhome/condo. So I spent all day Saturday and Sunday putting the finising touches on the house to put her on the market. I was very motivated as I wanted to go out photographing on Monday. So with all my projects done, I headed out to Barr Lake first thing Monday morning. I decided to check in on the burrowing owls before I headed into the park. They are only about a 1/2 mile past the park entrance in a grassy field. Since I missed the owl sitting on the fence post last time, I was very alert as I drove up the dirt road. I couldn't believe my luck! There was an owl perched on a fence post. It was like he was waiting for me!

The sun was just coming up, so the light was not great. But I grabbed a few shots while he sat on the post. As I was shooting, I heard a truck rumbling down the road. It sounded pretty darn big! The sound got closer and closer. Crap! I wondered if it would startle the owl and it did. He took off and somehow I was able to grab a few flight shots!

 I was pretty excited to get some decent shots of the owls, so I headed into the park for more adventures. First, I headed over to see the barn owls but no one was around. so I turned back and started around the lake. The male bullock orioles were flying all over and I was lucky enough to see this female bullock!

Then I heard some beautiful singing and found the goldfinch......

Near him was the orchard oriole singing away!

 The western kingbirds were also numerous. This one gave me a nice pose.

There were a few pelicans in the lake. The bump on the bill is only there during mating and nesting, then it will disappear. I believe both male and females have that bump....

The kildeer are flying around and so very fast. I'm attempting to get some flight shots....I need a bit more practice :)

It was a nice late spring around here. But now the leaves are in full bloom, so it's much harder to get some bird pics. Here is a bullock's oriole tucked into the bush.

Found a western kingbird in nesting building mode......

There were lots of eastern kingbirds around. Finally this guy gave me a good pose!

I was back to the car when I spotted this eastern kingbird looking so cute!

And as I was driving out of the park, a swainsons hawk was perched in a big cottonwood tree. So I had to stop and grab a pic or two.

 What a fun day! I'm so glad I got out as I'm not sure when I'll get out again. I think the next few days will be crazy as I finalize getting my house sold. I'm sitting in the Wholefoods cafe writing this as I have 5-6 showings this afternoon. Crazy!