Luna, A Barred Owl
I recently went to a much-enjoyed local presentation, “From Injury to Flight: Rescuing Maryland’s Birds of Prey”, given by Kristina Motley, a dedicated Maryland bird of prey wildlife rescuer.
Kristina’s presentation shared valuable information on rescue and protection of birds of prey in Maryland through the Maryland Raptor Conservancy and Owl Moon Raptor Center. We learned what to do/who to call locally when we know a bird of prey needs help. We also learned about a new nationwide app, “Animal Help Now”, that is worth looking into if you’re interested!
The lecture ended with a special appearance by Luna, a Barred Owl. She was absolutely gorgeous and so sweet!
Kristina with Luna
My selfie with Luna and Kristina!
More on Luna:
Luna is a falconry Barred Owl. She is nine years old and her Master Falconer handler allows her to help the Maryland Raptor Conservancy represent of one of Maryland’s most common owls. Luna’s calm demeanor and patience with the public shows everyone how special Barred Owls are during programs and events.
More on Kristina:
Kristina has been teaching about birds of prey for more than 15 years. She has served as a naturalist, education specialist, and outreach specialist, presenting engaging programs that connect people with these remarkable animals. Kristina volunteered at Owl Moon Raptor Center from 2014 to 2015 and has continued working with them as a wildlife rescuer on Maryland’s Eastern Shore since 2018. While she has rescued many species of raptors, she is well known for her eagle rescues and is often the first call when one is in need of help. Her work combines hands-on experience with a deep commitment to conservation and public education, inspiring respect and understanding for raptors in every audience she reaches.
Five On The Wire – #20
Same wire perch. Different bird!
Each photo is the top of one of my shepherd’s hook for the bird feeders. It makes for a good perch when waiting your turn for a feeder or bird bath!
The first two are my “Mr & Mrs Bluebird” pair that are considering my backyard nest box.
Eastern Bluebird (female)
Eastern Bluebird (male)
White-breasted Nuthatch
American Goldfinch
Common Grackle
Chesapeake Bay Osprey Are Back
On schedule, my neighbor’s Osprey pair have returned to their man-made nest platform, the male on March 12, female March 20!
Our warming Spring temps dropped again since and it’s been quite windy. Neither is even thinking about bonding or nest building as yet. It’s probably more like, “Why are we here, this is not pleasant.”
No photos of the pair together yet, I haven’t had time to gear up and run over each time I catch a sight; but here’s a cropped poor shot from my front porch of the female when I saw her the morning of the 20th.
Female Osprey returned March 20, 2026
You can see only a few sticks remain from last year’s nest. So far, she’s been recuperating from her 3,000-5,000 mile journey to here from her winter grounds in Central or South America. But I’ll soon be hearing her demands for sticks! Get ready and onboard, Mr. Osprey!
To celebrate, here’s a few Osprey shots I hadn’t shared from last year to get us excited for the Chesapeake Bay Osprey breeding season!
Leave Nothing But Footprints – #2 10,000 Islands NWR
This is my contribution for Heaven’s Sunshine’s weekly challenge, “One Step At A Time”.
So come along and hike down this trail with me, one step at a time!
Marsh Trail, 10,000 Islands NWR, Naples, Florida
You just never know what you might see from an observation tower….
Sometimes not a bird one.
And then sometimes….. 😲
This day instantly became one of my best hiking days ever!
Much more of my visit from 2021 here.
Take a hike, short or long, one step at a time.
Mother Nature promises to reward you.
And please remember~~
Leave nothing but footprints.
Kill nothing but time.
Bald Eagles Perched
Since I’m on an eagle roll, here’s more favorite winter photos of Bald Eagles, this time perched. 😊 Something about a nest at the end? (hint hint)
☆♡꧁🦅꧂♡☆
Bald Eagles in Flight
I had so many awesome opportunities with Bald Eagles in flight this winter, here are a few more from my favorites file to share.
When in flight, Bald Eagles are clearly on a mission.
“Playful Chase”
“Fish Dinner”
“Well, what’s left of it”
Oh, to soar like an Eagle….
Impressive wingspan of 80.3 inches/6.5 feet (204 cm)
1-2-3 Medium Bird Jubilee – #27
Other than single-specie showcasing, I realized it’s been a while on sharing a series of favorite captures of my winter medium-sized birds.
Well, that folder is busting with a variety of single faves, so let’s get the party started with this seven!
Brown Thrasher
American Robin
Hermit Thrush
Mourning Dove
Northern Mockingbird
Cedar Waxwing
Red-winged Blackbird (male)
Leave Nothing But Footprints – #1 Battle Creek Cypress Swamp
I will be participating in Pepper’s Heaven’s Sunshine new “One Step at a Time” weekly challenge, to share a photo(s) of one of my trails I’ve hiked. I plan to end each post with a bonus wildlife captured along that trail.
So come along and hike down this trail with me, one step at a time!
Battle Creek Cypress Swamp, Prince Frederick, Maryland
Boardwalk Trail, 0.4 miles swamp loop
Northern Cardinal (male)
Take a hike, short or long, one step at a time.
Mother Nature promises to reward you.
And please remember~~
Leave nothing but footprints.
Kill nothing but time.
Gray Catbird
A couple weeks ago, I had the pleasant surprise to see my first Gray Catbird back this year in my backyard.
My catbird pair has loved the woods bordering the marsh and would kindly let me see them briefly, even for a shot maybe, before disappearing yet again. I enjoyed those very quick meet-ups!
This day was no exception, but I do think he hung juuuust a little longer to say “Hi” and let me know he was back! 😉
Now if only he’d jump to another branch in the sunlight before disappearing on me….
Ahhhh, there we go!
Singing Carolina Chickadee
This adorable Carolina Chickadee is happily singing his little heart out on a branch above my empty bluebird nest box he had just investigated both inside and out. He was telling his gal it looked good to him for a home!
He and his gal did not get a chance at the nest box though; I have a pair of Eastern Bluebirds keeping their eye on it.
Although I adore my chickadees, I’m rooting for another season with bluebirds!
Bay Photos by Donna 