Category: Birds

Raptors up close

I had the good fortune last week to stumble into a presentation by the Northwest Raptor & Wildlife Center at the Lavender Festival. Not only did I hear a great talk but I was introduced to some spectacular birds of prey. Above is a female red-tailed hawk.

The Northwest Raptor Center rehabilitates and cares for injured, orphaned, or permanently incapacitated raptors and takes some of its permanent residents to public programs for environmental education. This gorgeous female had apparently been trained and acclimated to humans, then released. She became part of the Center’s family when she literally flew down and perched on someone’s shoulder, looking for a handout. Not a safe or effective survival strategy.

This male red-tailed hawk has a permanently injured wing but he’s no less beautiful for it.

I have seen many taxidermied birds and animals over the years. But living, breathing birds like these are truly magnificent. Tomorrow: a peregrine falcon up close.

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Color spots

Our wildflower patch – mostly batchelor buttons and golden poppies – this year has drawn a steady stream of goldfinches that are making meals of the available seeds. There’s a goldfinch nestled in amongst those blue blossoms. It’s amazing to see these tiny birds navigating on the thin stems of the flowers.

Northern Harrier

I’ve lost count of the number of times I’ve seen Northern Harriers (Circus cyaneus) perched near the trail and I’ve not had my camera. And having my camera seems to guarantee they’re in flight, at a distance. But oneday this male stopped. It’s not what I wanted. I’ll keep trying.

Harriers fly low as they search for food across marshlands and fields, taking sudden turns and dives. The British Royal Air Force named its Harrier aircraft after these birds, inspired by their maneuverability.