Birds are capricious little buggers and successful bird watching is largely a matter of luck. One may study the birds habitats, behaviour, seasonal patterns of migration, etc., etc., Then one may synthesize this information and place himself in the exact spot and at the exact time that all the data indicates that the bird will appear and never see the bird or birds in question. Then, when not even trying, said bird will appear in a place and time where it is least expected and sit there looking at you as if to say: Why all the trouble? I was right here all the time! I’ll even sit for a minute and pose for your new camera!
Recently, while visiting a friend at the local GA (Double Eagle) airport, I noticed something quite unexpected on the drab barbed wire topped fence that encircles the airport property. It’s to keep nefarious characters out of the “secure” area of the airport where planes are stored and flight activities go on each day. Apparently, the birds didn’t get the memo and come and go as they please. It’s a serile, imposing 8 foot fence with 3 strands of barbed wire on top. I thought it was funny that a couple of birds that habit the airport property occupy it as if it were placed there for the sole purpose of providing a platform for their hunting activities.
Western Meadowlark on fence DEII
First, a Western Meadowlark landed on the fence adjacent to the airplane hangar I was visiting and began to sing. When I realized what it was, I rushed to the car to grab my camera. Press the “listen” button on the link to listen to the beautiful song that this bird produces. The plumage of this medium sized songbird is quite impressive also.
Burrowing Owl on fence DEII
Then further down the fence I noticed a small but slightly more plump figure on the barbed wire. A pair of Burrowing Owls. I’d seen them previously (without camera, of course) and have been hunting them in a nearby open space area all spring hoping to get a shot.
I’d put in considerable time and effort trying to photograph both of these birds in the wild areas of the Albuquerque open space – actually part of the Petroglyphs National Monument. Then, just when I wouldn’t have imagined, they appeared there on top of an industrial barbed wire fence adjacent to the busy entry road to the airport. I can’t believe I had my camera.