Ruby-crowned Kinglets are adorable. 
Cuteness cubed.
Like little olive colored Easter Peeps-
Couldn't you just pop one in your mouth?~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
While I was watching the Kinglets at Hasty Brook I felt I was being watched. I saw a big bird- a raptor out of the corner of my eye. It flew from right to left behind me, swooped down twenty feet to the creek level and disappeared. I didn't get a good look but had a feeling for wide wings. I've seen Northern Goshawks punch through our woods chasing Ruffed Grouse on several occasions but his bird was smaller. I felt that the bird had buzzed me, it came pretty close. Later that afternoon, coming out of the camper I caught a quick look at a hawk flying off from the birch snag nearest the feeders. Same one? The next day I was quite sure I saw the same bird perched in that snag as I walked up the driveway. As I got nearer it dropped down into the trees and flew off across the creek. Later on, sipping a cup of coffee, it flew back into the birch. A Broad-winged Hawk!
It sat in that tree about twenty feet away and about fifteen feet over my head. I watched it for a bit, then slowly brought my camera up. It looked at me a few times and started calling. High pitched but soft, two part kee-eeee. It gave me goosebumps. 
The birds at the feeders went silent and still. The hawk didn't seem interested in them. It was looking around the ground-
There- one of the chipmunks. The chipmunk seemed oblivious to the raptor glaring down. The hawk's head swiveled up and down, left and right but its eyes never left the chipmunk. Just as I though it would launch itself toward the ground, my dog let out a woof and trotted over to defend her yard from those wicked little "chippies." Poor old Gidget makes occasional half-hearted attempts to catch chippies and then has to lie down from the hard work. The hawk flew off and I haven't seen it since. It was only a few minutes but it's a memory that I won't forget.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
33 comments:
And so the winner of the Best Photographic Juxtaposition contest has been decided.
Nice shots Lynne!
Great photos again! I sometimes have close-up encounters like that and then end up with a bunch of crummy pictures to show for it.I love Ruby-crowned kinglets esepceally when I see them in the winter.-I see Broad-winged Hawks on occasion but I see Red-shouldered much more frequently around CT.
Whoooo--the look in that hawk's eye! Someone is thinking d-i-n-n-e-r.
At first, I thought you were going to inform us that the sweet little bird became dinner.
HA--your old dog can still "hunt." Even if inadvertently scaring away the hawk.
The kinglets are adorable, maybe the company that makes peeps should consider modeling a new peep after them.
Chippy. It's what's for dinner. Or not.
You've been Johnny on the Spot with birds, girl!!!
Our Cooper's Hawks are constantly being harassed by Jays and Robins. How's a self-respecting hawk supposed to get any dinner with all that noise going on? My new camera is in the shop again for focus issues, so I am very envious of your sharp shots.
That kinglet is a cute little ball! I think I want to roll him around in my hand - lol! Loved the intense hawk photos too!
The Kinglets seem so curious and seem to follow us when we walk through their territory. They seem to always be happy which matches their looks. I just love your photos and you have really been getting the good shots. The hawk is awesome!
What is it with you and those little flitty birdsd? I had a kinglet here this spring - we met eye to eye once. I would have NEVER been able to get a photo.
Wow! What a hawk.
Mary
Great Kinglet photos Lynne! Whew... that would have been an adrenaline experience if he'd come right down to get that chipmunk!
Oh my...those kinglet photos are soo nice! What a cute little critter...I will forgo the popping in the mouth..dont like to eat feathers..tee hee..
Nice pics of the hawk as well...guess no chipmunk for it dinner today...
Oh such a fuzzy cue-tip! Love these pics!
Your Kinglet pictures are awesome. They are such hyperactive birds and are always faster than my shutter finger.
Fabulous pictures,both of the cute and the fierce.The experience you describe would cause shivers of excitement down my spine.:)
Perfect Kinglet pictures.
Can't get the picture of the hawk sipping coffee out of my head..."Later on, sipping a cup of coffee, it flew back into the birch." ....:-)
The Kinglet pics are very nice. He's so adorable. The Hawk experience is truly one I'm sure you'll never forget. But for the interruption, you would probably have witnessed that Hawk getting lunch.
Lynne: Great photos! I really love the kinglet photos. How closer were you or what size lens were you using??
Carolyn H.
Well, bird charmer...you did it again. Who else can make those flitty little kinglets sit still and pose? Or to train the hawks to go after chipmunks rather than songbirds? Nice post.
Wow!!!!! Great post.
Quite the contrast there, but beautiful birds and photos nonetheless.
Sounds a little creepy. Lucky little chipmunk, but not so lucky Hawk. He probably flew off in a huff... dang dog scared my snack!
Very cute little Kinglets. Um, no, don't wish to pop one in my mouth... don't even like the Easter Peeps.
Such cute kinglet shots! Like little ping pong balls of cuteness! Love the Broad-winged Hawk shots too!
Lynne,
It looks like you picked a great place to place that "waiting" chair...you are seeing and capturing some awesome shots of some really neat birds.
Finding and photographing that bwh must have been quite exciting..esp having him so close...kinda glad your dog barked..I just love those chippies!
You've got da mad skilz with the camera, Lynne. Nice work!
We get Broadwings migrating through here in the fall--now I know where they're going!
Lynne, I loved your description of the kinglets (Easter peeps) - but I don't think the taste would be the same! ;o) I'm sure that hawk found another "snack" elsewhere.
Hola Lynne!
That Hawk looks beautiful!
Before I die I have to visit you at real life Hasty Brook :)
Besos,
Mel
Wow Lynne, close encounters with a broad-winged hawk! How cool is that?
Your kinglet photos are fantastic too.
Thanks for sharing them with us.
Dear lynne,
My heart started racing as soon as I saw the Kinglet...darling little bird...exciting to get such great photographs too. The Hawk was sooo close..WOW! Amazing birds.
I think Hasty Brook is paradise! You have the best photographs. I just love coming and seeing who is visiting you.
Sherry
Wow! Some major improvement going on with your photography! I'm impressed! By George! I think you got it!
Lynne, what wonderful sightings! Is that Broad-winged new for your Hasty Brook list? Excellent photos by the way. I'm amazed you got those shots of the kinglet because they rarely sit still long enough to photograph!
Love those little round kinglets!
What a great hawk sighting, and you got wonderful photos. I wonder if it will be back next time you are up?
A couple years ago, a pair nested near my walking path in the woods. They warned me away more than once. I only them one year, I guess they moved deeper into the woods.
I didn't see that funny line about popping one in your mouth-Maybe you can come out with Ruby-crowned kinglet mints.
Great photos from you.
Alternative energy
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