A Surprise Visitor

Yesterday, hubby called me to come and have a look at his progress in the kitchen, as he’d just installed the new oven. Very exciting to see although it won’t be operational for a few weeks when the granite counter tops are in place. Even when I’m supposed to be admiring his handiwork, I always have one eye out of the window so as not to miss any action in the backyard, and suddenly I saw what looked like an owl, fly across my vision and up into a palm tree.

I decided that the best view would be from my bathroom window. There was a lot of excitement and noise from the smaller birds, who were flying back and forth to the tree where he was precariously perched on a swaying branch. Mr. Owl was not going to be intimidated though, and clung on. I couldn’t get a clear shot, as it was windy and the fronds from a smaller palm tree kept blowing across in front of where he was. I thought this was the best I was going to get.

Then all of a sudden, he turned and looked straight at me, as the palm fronds magically parted for a split second, and I pressed the shutter, hoping it would be in focus.

I’m linking this post to Charlotte’s’s ‘Feathers on Friday’ challenge.

Wishing you all a relaxing weekend. Hubby will continue working on the kitchen, and we’re looking forward to having dinner with new friends tomorrow evening.

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A new visitor to my backyard

Yesterday was really blustery here and there weren’t many birds flying around the lake. Mr. GBH, looking very unimpressed, was hunkered down and appeared to be glued to his special spot for the whole day, his feathers blowing every which way.

Even Sammy squirrel was staying close to the ground instead of rushing up and down the palm trees. In fact he was lying face-down for so long, I began to wonder if he’d suffered a heart attack. Much to my relief, when he heard the door open, he moved off into the flower bed.

It’s a good thing he did move to a less exposed spot, because a short while later, a new and unexpected visitor suddenly came swooping in. Sammy would have made a very tasty snack for Mr. Turkey Vulture.

It was the first time I’d seen a Buzzard up close. His face certainly wouldn’t win any beauty competitions, but what gorgeous plumage he has.

He didn’t stick around for very long, and soon he was off up into the clouds again. I often think how wonderful it must be, to be able to just take off on a whim, without all the hassle of airports and having to book tickets.

Wishing you all a great weekend. I’ll be donning my ‘glad rags’ tonight, for dining and dancing with friends.