Our World-Cooper’s Hawk

When the little birds scatter it’s time to hawk watch. At least sometimes.

This immature (I think) Cooper’s hawk hid well in the ever green oaks.

Oh for more camera zoom, and less foliage.

Then it headed for the ground…

…and slowly walked across the yard…

…flew up onto the bird feeders’ stand…

…and surveyed the scene.

For a while.

Then flew off.

About an hour later it flew in again, but didn’t hang around long.

Unfortunately I can’t count this hawk for the GBBC (Great Backyard Bird Count), unless it shows up again today. Did you counting birds this weekend. Check it out.

(Update:  The hawk flew through in a flash this morning so I added it to my count today. Plus there was a rabbit but don't suppose that counts)
To tour more of the world go to Our World Tuesday by clicking here.

Birds feeding birds

Putting out seed for the little birds is also an invitation to feed the bigger birds...

Bird watching at Grand Canyon North Rim

I am not the best birder but occasionally I get lucky.

The other day after my lunch out on the Walhalla Plateau I spotted this Yellow-rumped warbler.

Then while out with visiting company (see tomorrow’s post for more about that) we saw this (I think) Swainson’s hawk in a meadow searching for food.

Black-bellied Whistling Ducks

One of only two whistling-duck species native to North America.

Formerly known as the Black-bellied Tree Duck they nest primarily in natural cavities in trees. Their monogamous pair-bonding is unique among ducks with both parents sharing with the raising of young. Ducklings leap from nest cavities within two days of hatching and can feed themselves immediately on plant material and bugs.

They look like no other duck with their pink feet, long red bill, pale grey head, mostly grey-brown plumage, black belly and tail, thin but distinct white eye-ring, and chestnut brown on the back of the neck. The distinctive white wing patch is most obvious in flight. Males and females look alike and juveniles are similar but have a grey bill and less contrasting belly.

As the name implies, these are noisy birds with a clear whistling waa-chooo call. I can always hear them coming and usually in large flocks.

MWT – Birding along the resaca

Resaca de los Fresnos

Yes, I’m still in Texas, but the countdown is on.

Franklin’s Gull

I’m spending my days at Mom’s getting ready for her move to Arizona. The logistics are taken care of. We have a week and a half to pack. At the current pace of 1.5 boxes a day I hope we make it. It’s not easy to part with any of our treasured life collections, and everything has a story.

About 6:00 every evening I’ve been trying to take a walk along the nearby resaca to cool my body in the wind and clear my mind.

Red-crowned Parrots

Seems some resacas were former channels of the Rio Grande river used for flood control. The Resaca de los Fresnos in San Benito was developed for irrigation purposes.

Black-bellied Whistling Ducks

To tour more of the world go to My World Tuesday by clicking here.

Feeding the birds

Female cardinal & house finch

Like many of you, I like to feed the birds. Makes me feel good to help them out during winter, even though I know they don’t usually need me.

Male cardinal

So, OK, I feed the little birds for the selfish reason of watching the birds.

And then once in a while get lucky enough to have a Bigger bird come in as well.

It’s really not a moral dilemma, just the circle of life.

I’m pretty sure this is a male Cooper’s Hawk because of the distinct white band on the bottom of the rounded tail.

He didn’t get a meal while here.

At least not this time.

Birds at Kruger National Park

Saddle-billed Stork, 5 ft tall with a 9 ft wingspan

Most people visit Kruger National Park in South Africa for the “Big 5” however birders can add to their life lists. And the vehicles with a “birders on board” sticker drive even slower than the rest.  Read more about the birds here.

A gray stay home day - watching the birds

The afternoon sky races by

I love having bird feeders only 20 feet from my window.

A bright Northern cardinal brightens the day

Though it seems even with the tri-pod I can’t zoom in enough. Of course raindrops on the window didn’t help either. I’ll have to live with it as I can’t afford to replace the camera.

Scrub jay shovels seed to the ground in search of sunflower seeds

I’d better fill that feeder between the rain drops. Sure glad it’s not snow, yet.

Gambel’s quail bobble in bunches

I'm thankful to be alive, right now.

Have a happy Thanksgiving!