Red-tailed Hawk

I am thankful for many things, and at this moment it is that there is a large picture window in my studio and that my peripheral vision remains good. (wink) At the edge of the property, high atop one of the Douglas Fir branches, this beautiful fella decided to pay me a visit.

The bird has an honor that man does not have. Man lives in the traps of his abdicated laws and traditions but the birds live according to the natural law of God who causes the earth to turn around the sun.

~ Kahlil Gibran

Followup note: I have made a correction to the post following comments from Randy and Curbstone Valley, and after reviewing many photos from other sources. I thought the hawk to be a young Red-shouldered, but in fact it appears he is a Red-tailed Hawk. Thank you Randy and Clare. Aren't internet friends wonderful?

Waning Wolf Moon Riding High and GBBC

We have had a recent blast of cold from the north and with that our little feathered friends have been a bit sparse, until today that is.

The GBBC (Great Backyard Bird Count) of February 18 through 21, yielded the following species during the various time periods I observed:


1 - Bald Eagle
1 - Hawk, Cooper's
1 - Hawk, Red-shouldered
1 - Hawk, Sharp-shinned
1 - Hawk, Sharp-shinned or Cooper's
100's - Canadian Geese
1 - Chickadee, Chestnut-backed
3 - Chickadee, Black-capped
6 - Dark-eyed Junco
1 - Red-breasted Nuthatch
1 - Ring-necked Pheasant
6 - Mountain Quail
2 - Song Sparrow
3 - Spotted Towhee
5 - Steller's Jay
6 - Wild Turkeys

This Sharp-shinned hawk flew into the window, but quickly gained his footing, flew to the paperbark Maple, and subsequently went on his way.

Right outside my window: by the time I saw and grabbed my camera, the camera got so excited that it couldn't focus. Sharp-shinned or Cooper's Hawk?... not distinguishable. I'm assuming he flew in for a quick bite to eat.

Wild Salmon, Kale, and Sweet Potato Fries

It is as easy as one, two, three. What can be better for you than grilled wild Alaskan Salmon, sauteed Kale, and baked sweet potato fries and that can be prepared in under 30 minutes?

Salmon

We enjoy the simplicity of grilling salmon: coat the fillet with a little extra virgin olive oil, sprinkle with lemon pepper, and maybe even a little extra freshly ground pepper. Grill, and always be certain to not overcook.

Sauteed Kale

First, I will admit to having taken it out of the freezer. Pounds of kale were harvested from our garden this fall, cooked and frozen in pint and quart-sized containers for moments such as this. You can go here for the recipe.

Baked Sweet Potato Fries

1 large sweet potato
Extra virgin olive oil
paprika
garlic powder
salt and pepper

Preheat oven to 475 degrees F. Peel the sweet potato; cut in half lengthwise and each half again lengthwise; then cut into wedges. In a medium bowl coat the potato wedges with oil, sprinkle with the paprika, garlic powder and salt and pepper (according to taste). Using your hand, mix well.

Spread the sweet potatoes out on a baking sheet with spaces among them. Bake until they are tender and browned, 15-20 minutes. Check with a fork after 10-12 minutes.

If you enjoy wine with your dinner, a Pinot Gris would serve up nicely.