Part of the swamp I visit is dotted with dead trees, victims of time and probably changing water levels.
Red-shouldered Hawks are among the birds that find them to be good perches with little to obstruct their view.
This fellow was hunting for lunch in the water below.
January 22, 2020
Two Osprey were flying over the Kiawah River while I was watching the Dolphins on Wednesday.
Osprey are expert hover / divers for fish in the water.
I did not see either of them dive but did enjoy watching the display of their flying skills.
In between stationery hovers they took advantage of the stiff breeze with seemingly effortless swooping.
Hi there!
On March 8th I walked by the nest featured in my March 3rd post: It’s Twins, Eagles That Is!
I only saw one of the juveniles and didn’t spot an adult in the area. It’s a poor view and the lighting was bad. But it’s an Eagle!
On March 16th I went by and again only saw one juvenile. If anything, the lighting was worse. The trees around the pine are starting to leaf out making a clean view difficult.
One of the adults was perched on the other side of the nest. You can see the that the nest is big enough that the second juvenile could be there and not be seen.
Red-shouldered balancing act.
Made it!
Some greenery is starting to sprout but most leaves aren’t out enough to block the view of perched birds. This Red-shouldered Hawk was patiently waiting to spot his next meal in the pond below.
I was hoping to find Wood Ducks in this pond but instead found a Red-shouldered Hawk looking for a meal.
He snatched a snack coated with vegetation out of the water.
Then got his balance.
Then flew to this Wood Duck box with something that might have been a crawfish.
This Red-shouldered Hawk was having a grooming session right out in the open.
The RSHs frequently feed at the edge of the ponds which is probably how he got a wet chest.
It was interesting seeing him from below, which was the only angle I could get.
And his wing spread out.
He was intent on his personal care but I had no doubt he also knew every movement around the pond.
I’ve been by this nest a few times this winter and not seen or heard any sign that it was occupied. I was quite surprised to see these two juvenile Bald Eagles peering out.
This is the nest from the other side. I’m guessing it is at least 50 feet (15 meters) off the ground.
I was not aware that one of the adults was there until looking at this images at home. Just above center in the middle of this image you can see the wing and part of the adult Eagle head.
Taken February 27, 2020
Driving into Bear Island Wildlife Management Area I saw several American Kestrals on the electric line. This one stayed put long enough for me to get an image. The usual routine with these raptors is for them to shift down the wire seconds before you get them in focus.
About an hour later, driving out of the refuge I spotted another one who obligingly flew into a fairly close tree. Unfortunately I didn’t realize there was a twig across his face until later but had taken a few images after he shifted a bit further from me. It’s not a sharp image but you get an idea of how petite they are as North America’s littlest falcon, per TheCornellLab’s All About Birds.
February 29. 2020
Even though I knew he was nearby I was still startled to see this Red-shouldered Hawk less than 10 feet (3 Meters) in front of me and at eye level.
