Swainson's Hawks

NOTE: I apologize, once again, for the lengthy delay between posts these last few months. I am finding it a bit too much to keep up with two social mediums. Thus the Facebook page gets my attention and the blog gets the left-overs - or so it seems. So, for those of you who would enjoy a more 'regular' dose of Elk Lake, please 'like' our Facebook page.

A couple of good photo opportunities provided me with a stack of Swainson Hawk photos I cannot keep to myself. Thus, I decided to dedicate a full post to these beautiful birds.

However, as lovely as the photos may seem (and a few are at least decent), the post would not be nearly as interesting without some fascinating facts - and these birds are actually very intriguing!

Swainson's Hawks are really quite an amazing bird. One of their most fascinating facts is their nesting habits. While they do not nest exclusively in one type of location, the fact that I have seen the young in this same - mostly open prairie - location for several years in a row peaked my curiosity. Where exactly had they been raised?

Surely, I assumed, in the general area. But where? I wondered. As the tallest trees where a mere 20 feet or so this 'typical' raptor nesting location didn't seem likely. Besides, I could see the trees clearly and surely would have spotted a nest as large as these birds require.

A brief discussion with Refuge personnel only added to my confusion. The 'general' opinion seemed to be they nested in the forest at the edge of the prairie. If so, why did these young appear and then remain for several weeks in a location at least 1/2 a mile from the nearest forest boundary? It didn't make sense.

So, like any good modern researcher I turned to Google (that's the modern way, right?). Here I found some interesting facts - about nesting and more. First off, to answer my burining question: Swainson's Hawks nest "in a solitary tree" (allaboutbirds.org) - "in a tree or shrub or on a cliff edge. . .occasionally a pair will nest on the ground or on a bank or ledge" (wikipedia.org) - "usually placed low in a tree, bush, or shrub" (peregrinefund.org) - "nest occasionally in sagebrush plants 2.5 m. [8 feet] tall" (prbo.org) - "in a tree, shrub, on the ground, or on top of a utility pole" (whatbird.com).

One thing became crystal clear - these birds are not overly picky about their nesting location. Apparently if it feels safe, it is safe. So, assuming these birds nest near where the young are seen soon after fledging, I began to strike out the impossible locations. Not a tree unless it was more of a bush (willow); certainly not the tall stately (empahsis on large) tree typically associated with raptors' nests. Not a ledge as no rocky ledges existed in the area. Not a cliff edge as no cliff's existed in the area. And certainly not a utility pole as the nearest was about 10 miles away.

That left a shrub (there are willows in the area although not large ones), a bush (sagebrush is plentiful), a bank (there are swales nearby where, potentially, there might be a suitable bank), or on the ground. Now, considering this is a predator-rich environment, that created a truly amazing proposition.

Could it be? Could these birds actually have successfully fledged their young for several years in a nest which seems so vulnerable as to be sure to fail? Based on what I have seen, it seems possible. However, I admit to not tramping about the scene for concrete evidence. At first this was my plan. But, after further consideration I wondered if my presence (if it were to somehow be detected by the returning pair next year) would disturb what has obviously been a successful family home to date. So, I decided to forego this plan, at least for the time being.

This, of course, is not all the interesting information I learned about this beautiful raptor. (Note, all information was obtained from the sites listed above). Swainson's Hawks are a bird which, to my mind, defy the odds in more ways than one. Not only do they nest in 'vulnerable' locations, in America only the tundra breeding Peregrine Falcons endure a longer migration.

These young Swainson's Hawks had to be ready to join a massive migration within 3 - 4 months of birth. Imagine, two young birds raised in the Centennial Valley solitude joining several thousand who, as a group, cover an average of 200 miles per day! Talk about culture shock and an extreme exercise program. No wonder they were reluctant to move during our photo sessions!

These two photos could be taken as further 'proof' these youngsters were raised on the ground. After all, what bird do you know which would sit on the ground, next to the road, unmoved by vehicles and people? One could almost mistake this beautiful creature for a house pet!

But their mild nature does not last. This parent seemed anything but 'tame' as it screamed and dove and appeared ready to attack me as I photographed its young. A protective parent and a skilled hunter, these adults feed themselves and their young on immature ground squirrels and other small mammals, insects, various small birds, and an occasional reptile or amphibian.

A few weeks - that was all - before they flew off to join those thousands on their long treck to South America. Hopefully they will return next year to successfully nest and fledge more beautiful young who - with any luck - will perch on these same posts and trees for yet another amazing photo opportunity!

Lady of the Lake

Evening On Golden Pond

Sometimes words fail to convey the sense, the essence, the power of a place. Photos must step in to show what we cannot say. A recent evening in the general vicinity of our local 'golden pond' (Widgeon Pond aka Widow's Pool) defied description. Hopefully the abundant photos in this post do a decent job of conveying the magic.

Breathtaking scenery will dominate this post. However a Bald Eagle adult and immature offered some wildlife photos opps.

The parent did NOT like us photographing its young. However, the youngster seemed almost curious about these two-legged beasts.

Of course our own young would LOVE to have joined the feathered kind. Sadly, he lacked the wings - but that didn't stop him from enjoying the evening with us.

A large thunderhead over Jefferson added drama. The old Hanson homestead looked significantly insignificant under this giant mushroom cloud!

The feeling continued even as daylight faded. As the crescent moon gained power, we snapped a few final images to remind us of our enchanted evening near our Golden Pond!

Lady of the Lake

The Life of Birds

Sometimes diversity makes the individual disappear. At least it seems that way when it comes to birds. While our summer days are packed with flittering chittering friends, I often scarcely notice. But as our small feathered friends move south, their larger counterparts seem grow more obvious.

Thus, intermingled with my attempts to capture the fleeting fall contrasts, I have found numerous opportunities to also observe (and sometimes photograph) the feathered fluttering fellows who still grace our valley with their presence.

The young Swainson's Hawks were by far the most cooperative. In fact, I captured so many images of this beautiful flying predator, I plan to do a complete post focusing on this bird in the near future. It will be fun to see how much we can learn about this particular valley resident.

Sadly my interest in their young upset the parents. However, their intense attention did give me opportunity to practice my 'birds-in-flight' photography - and to learn I have not mastered this art.

Of course, Swainson's aren't the only ones still showing off in our backyard. This Red Tailed Hawk posed nicely near the lake's end. These Bald Eagle chicks watched the world from their nest edge before growing bold, spreading their wings - and their horizons. And, the young ravens who fledged weeks ago still enjoy preening along the roadsides.

And so the sun has set on another lovely month at Elk Lake. Fall is rolling in with winter hard on its heels. Yet, in those calm autumn days before the cold winds howl, we are taking in every aspect possible of our Centennial Valley neighborhood!

Lady of the Lake