wayne barnett Loc: Grants Pass, Oregon

This is one of three groups we have seen this year. The first was 27 young with three hens, the second was this group with two hens and the third had 13 chicks with two hens. It appears that with any brood there is at least two hens to help watch over the young. While these birds are prey to some of the four legged residents we have here they know how to hold their own. Last year we had several of the boys scrounging around the bird feeders and a coyote come by and look them over with lunch in mind. It took about 10 seconds for three of the boys to advance to the coyote to get it make a quick retreat. Talk about bravado.

The second shot is a couple of the boys hanging out behind the house. This is not an unusual sight. We also have deer, elk and others visit daily to monthly. The elk usually like to visit at late evening or at night or when I usually do not have a camera available.

Shots are SOOC.

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