For the past few summers, we have had hawks nesting in or very near our backyard. Their arrival is usually marked by the swift absence of songbirds from our feeders. They arrived a bit later this year, and I think that they have nested a bit farther afield than in previous summers. We have not seen them, or heard them, nearly as much. This could also be due to the fact that with the very warm weather, we have either had a fan propped in the sliding door to the deck, or that we've had it closed altogether and the room air-conditioner turned on. In any case - not as many sightings this year.
I missed a golden photo opportunity the other morning as one of the fledglings sat on the rail of our deck in a head-to-head confrontation with a squirrel. Of course - my camera battery was charging following our several day Finger Lakes trip - I couldn't believe it! Bruce did capture some of it on his cell-phone and I will check out later if any of those photos captured the hilarity of the scene.
I have managed to catch a few ~ and here they are:
I took the next three through the screened window, fearful of scaring her (him?) off by opening the sliding door.
This last one was after I snuck out as quietly as I could. While it looks as though the bird may be injured, we observed this same kind of "sprawled out" pose in years' past. It was a very warm day, and I wonder if it is just a way of spreading out to stay cool. Other summers we have seen them sprawled flat on the grass.
And then, of course, she flew the coop - so to speak!
Last summer, the screeching started at about 4:45 AM. I don't like that they chase the songbirds away - but they are very cool!
ReplyDeleteWonderful pictures! I always cannot decide if those birds are cute or creepy - but maybe I don't have to :)
ReplyDeleteI really like especially the last picture. I have heard here that you have a very, very hot period in the States at the moment? I also think, he/she wanted to cool down its belly ...
Well - I do think that "creepy" is probably appropriate! They have a very mystical quality about them. However, their presence is said to be a sign of good luck!
DeleteAs for the heat - yes. Here in the North East, as in much of the rest of the country, we have had a very hot and very dry summer. I am not a big fan of the heat, and we really need the rain - no sign of a break in the near future.
Oh, this sounds not good (the hot period you have) - if I could I would send you loads of rain, here in Berlin the weather is the exact opposite. The summer is too cold and there is rain and thunder storms almost everyday. So the "Berliners" are yearning for every sun stroke they can get. Crazy world... In any case I keep my fingers crossed for rain to come soon for you.
DeletePS: I didn't know the sight of hawks are a sign of good luck - now I like them more :)
Look at those brilliant yellow talons and that spot of yellow just above the beak! Without your photos I wouldn't have known. I wish a regal creature would lay down and relax on our porch. Wait, is Stanley regal?
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