Wildlife Galore

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I thought it was high time I posted some photos of the wildlife we see around Burlo. Just to give you some idea, most of these were taken from the front porch of our house. We are pretty lucky to have such close encounters on almost a daily basis. I particularly like the bear cubs - they are unbelievably cute. Their Mum takes them for afternoon strolls along the shore - she is very protective of them, you can tell she loves them very much.

The eagles are regular visitors to the tall tree behind our house. Actually I think they might live on the island. There are at least five of them that frequent our bay and, sometimes, you see them teaming up and swooping on prey in the water. They also often fly over our house with giant branches in their talons, perhaps for a nest. The funny thing about eagles is that although they look like such majestic, grand birds, the noise they emit is this incongruous, high-pitched, pathetic, chick-like peeping sound. It kind of shatters the image somewhat.

As far as the heron goes, we have named him 'Cranky Heron', due to his constantly grumpy disposition. He spends a great deal of his time sulking on our dock and does not hesitate to express his displeasure if we disturb him in any way.

The Stellar's Jays are of equally cantankerous temperment. A bunch of about eight of them come to the porch each morning and demand bird seed, scolding loudly for any delays. In fact, if I am naive enough to think I can squeeze in a quick bathroom visit before giving them their breakfast, the little imps inevitably track me down, peer at me through the toilet window with their beady little eyes and scold me from there until I get on with it. Most off-putting.

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Photos

Out with the Cubs
Our mother black bear and her babies

Bald Eagle
Perched on his favourite tree

Cranky Heron
Moping around on the dock

A Furious Stellar's Jay
Caught in mid-scold

Keeping a Close Eye on the Cubs
Now don't go too far...

Both Eagles Trying to Share the Same Branch
It didn't last long

Comments

[Darwin Chiong]

So Much Better
Hey Pip, this is better than watching National Geographic on cable. Kewl!