Red-shouldered Hawk Update

30 March 2010

It's been over a year since I have posted to this blog. A Red-shouldered Hawk has been hanging around. Only yesterday one was calling from high in a blackjack tree not far from my garage. Last evening from the road I spotted one twice flying into the trees. During the past winter one visited my yard on several occasions, which gave me the opportunity to take the accompanying picture on a rainy day.

Red-shouldered Hawk

During the night a thunder storm rolled through leaving in its wake an icy landscape now dripping due to the action of the light filtered through a gray sky and air temperature rising almost to the freezing point. Flocks of  birds at the feeders have made the sunflower seeds melt away requiring frequent replenishment.

Yesterday's birding treat was a Red-shouldered Hawk spotted on three occasions at the bottom of the hill, once in the ditch before flying off as my car approached and twice on the wires above as I drove by. Perhaps someday I will have the opportunity to capture one of these beautiful raptors photographically.

Recalling Summer

We're in the midst of very dreary winter weather and I have added this summer visitor, a Ruby-throated Hummingbird female, to add some cheer and change my thoughts to what spring will bring.

A Regular Visitor

First Post January 23, 2008

This morning started in the teens to continue our roller coaster winter temperatures. Some winters no Purple Finches visit the feeders but last fall a group appeared and have been regulars since. I love how the early morning sun shines through the red crown of the male while later in the day the same red reflects brilliantly in the sun. Pine Siskins showed up this season as well and are numerous as are the American Goldfinches. After daybreak but before feeding begins the branches are atwitter with the goldfinches and siskins prior to their swooping down to begin the feeding day. From time to time I see a Brown Thrasher who likes the suet feeder as do the Downy Woodpeckers.