Since the sun was shining on my day off, I decided to go out before the winter rains return. I went for a hike in the woods, not really following any trail. I like to just "get lost" so to speak. I was out for about three hours. The woods were eerily quite for being so warm this late in the winter. I did stumble upon a couple of Pileated Woodpeckers, but they did not pose for any pics. I checked the pine stands looking for Long-eared Owls with no luck. I did happen upon this Barred Owl roosting high up in a white pine. The bird was well hidden and camouflaged despite the green/brown contrast.
When I got home, the sun was replaced by clouds already. Often, I see better birds in my yard then I do when I go out birding. As soon as I got in the house and looked out the window, I found this Brown Creeper creeping around the maples just outside the back door. They are not easy to photograph!
Here is a rear view of the bird. I love how this bird is built to suit its way of feeding. Very long toes and claws, curved bill, and a woodpecker like tail.
It walks on its claws!
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