Kip’s Comments - August 4, 2026 — LadagePhotography.com

Smelling The Flowers, Less is More, Downed Owl, and Random Stuff

As I was standing behind a tree today watching birds, a cottontail rabbit reminded me what we should all do at least once in a while - stop and smell the flowers. Then the rabbit began nibbling at the blossoms. I do not suggest we do any wildflower nibbling unless we know for sure the plant is safe to consume.

Cottontail Rabbit with Phlox - Image 1131107

One of the bird species I was watching was ruby-throated hummingbirds. One female seemed to have claimed the feeder and spent much of its time and energy chasing other hummers out. When the female hummingbird was not in flight/in chase, she perched in the same general area time and again. Her perching pattern provided several composition options. My thoughts were the version with multiple branches was too busy. I was then torn between the image with one branch and all of the bird showing or the composition with only a partial hummingbird visible.

Ruby-throated Hummingbird - Image 1131498

Ruby-throated Hummingbird - Image 1131431

Ruby-throated Hummingbird - Image 1131518

Another project for the day was to deliver a downed great horned owl to rehabber Terese with Black Hawk Wildlife Rehabilitation Project. I caught the owl last night when caring folks from southwest of Clarksville called me. The owl appeared to be a young of the year. I saw no obvious injuries, but I am not an expert either. My role is the “catcher/deliverer” guy. One positive detail is the owl produced a pellet while in my care. That tells me it had eaten recently.