Last week we were visited by a pair of tawny frogmouths – taking sleepy refuge in the daylight in our poinciana tree.
They seemed to appreciate the cool shaded tree safely away from prowling felines that seem to have recently taken to attacking local native birds. We have 2 dogs that quickly skittle any cat but pay no real attention to the local bird life at all.
This pair sat quietly all day fluffed up perched on the high branch above our deck.
As evening came they fluffed, preened, stretched and just after dusk fell, looked around more alert catching passing insects with their wide beaks. Then silently without any real warning flew off further afield for their night hunting.
As usual I took many photos – thank goodness for digital cameras! Mine saves me enormous amounts of money without the need to process and print the films I can take as many photos as I like. Needless to say these are just a few examples…
Just love this expression of droopy drowsiness compared with the wide-eyed – what are YOU looking at below!
Wildflowerings - Art Studio Diary 
They are absolutely gorgeous!
These are amazing looking owls.
They are so majestic and beautiful.
Great photography work!
Hi Westwood and Forest Wander!
As I have said before – tawny frogmouths are my absolute favourite bird and I love it when they come to ‘visit’.
They are commonly mistaken as owls because of those big gorgeous eyes but they are in fact belong to the nightjar family. Essentially they do not have the large powerful feet/claws of the owl family but their feet are designed to be able to roost all day on a branch. So although it is said they have ‘weak’ feet they in fact probably aren’t just designed for a different purpose. They use their beaks and the ‘feather brush’ between their eyes to capture food (insects, moths, mice etc) rather than powerful claws.
Lyn, I love frogmouths! They aren’t native to Colorado, of course, but the zoo in Denver has a pair. I used to sit and draw them for hours. (And despite a big sign that said “These are not owls,” listen to untold numbers of oblivious parents say “Johnny, look at the owl. Now come on.”) In my early linocut days I did a big black and white image that was a composite of sketchbook doodles. I never did anything with it, but it was fun to do!
I envy you their visit.
Hi Sherrie,
One of the advantages of drawing and photographing tawnies is the fact they like to sit very still – at the same time they also tend to use their eyes even if that is to peek out through slits to make sure you stay your distance!
Unfortunately even when I explain to people they are not owls they still call them owls..sigh…