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 MoreSpooky Sounds
Are you following us on Facebook? If not be sure to check out our page and have a listen to a Barred Owl heard this week…
Read MoreOctober Merlin
October is a terrific month to spot some falcons flying by in migration, and like with our winter friends the Snowy Owls, sometimes a pole is the best place to look! If you’re lucky enough you might be able to get an American Kestrel, a Peregrine Falcon, and a Merlin like this all on one day. I would suggest waiting and watching because seeing them soar back into the sky is worth it. 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 MorePeregrine Falcon
Sometimes inclement weather conditions can create challenging or unique photographic ones, as was the case with this Peregrine Falcon. The bird flew over me unexpectedly, and I was certainly not at all ready with my camera as I had been shooting stationary sparrows in the dark brush – far different than a raptor soaring by in a turbulent, pale sky. Nevertheless, the gray conditions made it easier for me to swing up and hit it with a couple of shots, leaving me one decent photo. It looked rather bland so I turned it into a more striking black and white shot for the fastest animal on the...
Read More
