Merlin Meal
I barely missed my first Snowy Owl of the season earlier today, but my consolation prize was this Merlin finishing up a meal. I am not positive on the identification of the prey, but I did observe the raptor eating the entire leg and foot. Snowy Owls seem to be spreading out all over the region with new sightings coming every day! Have you spotted any yet? I am looking forward to seeing and sharing images of one soon… Scott Kruitbosch Conservation & Outreach Coordinator
Read MoreBlue Jay End
Speaking of hawks, it appears that I came upon the final remains of a Blue Jay (Cyanocitta cristata) this morning with this very large pile of feathers strewn about under a small tree. The raptor sat here in a relatively quiet spot and plucked its prey, leaving little else behind. I would guess that an accipiter – probably a Cooper’s Hawk, but possibly a Sharp-shinned – took this Blue Jay hours earlier. It may not be the most enjoyable find for some, but it is the cycle of life in nature, and that hawk has to try to survive, too. Scott Kruitbosch Conservation & Outreach...
Read MoreRed-shouldered Hawk
This is not one of the winter raptors we have trained our volunteers to record this season, but I will nonetheless take it. The Red-shouldered Hawk seen here was photographed earlier today while very engaged in tracking some sort of prey. It flew off a moment after this, attempting to go for it on the ground, then after missing out it flew into another tree across the street. I did not see what it was after but some small mammal was lucky – at least for the moment. Scott Kruitbosch Conservation & Outreach Coordinator
Read MoreCooper’s Hawk
This Cooper’s Hawk (Accipiter cooperii) was not feeling the freezing rain after it flipped from snow, though its outrageously orange eyes did match its vest quite well. Life is hard for these hawks in the winter as every successful capture helps to stave off potential starvation, a problem frequently seen in juveniles. However, a bird that has reached the age this one has undoubtedly possesses finely-tuned hunting skills.
Read MoreFemale American Kestrel
This has been one great late fall stretch for raptors for me. Not coincidentally, it has also been a poor stretch for passerines during my survey work, with very little of note apart from common and expected species in low numbers. Snowy Owls, Northern Harriers, Merlins, Peregrine Falcons, Red-tailed, Sharp-shinned, and Cooper’s Hawks have all been providing some great looks or photos. The unfortunately uncommon American Kestrel has even cooperated with this female being seen semi-regularly at Stratford Point. Her she is perched on the flagpole at the lighthouse before zipping off. I...
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