Other Raptors

[ultimate_heading alignment=”left” el_class=”album-description” margin_design_tab_text=””]Raptors, the fearsome, majestic aerial predators are not only exciting to see, but they provide an invaluable ecological service. For a large portion of nature’s rodent control services, we have none other than these incredible creatures to thank! Much folklore surrounds the owls, in particular. These beliefs include owls acting as messengers from deceased loved ones, as well as daytime owl encounters symbolizing bad luck. True or not, one thing is certain: there are simple measures you can take to protect these incredible birds. Following our obscene abuse of DDT in the 1960’s war on mosquitos (which backfired, anyway), the bald eagle, symbol of our nation, had nearly gone extinct. As it turns out, this toxic chemical destroys eagle eggs, ensuring the hapless chicks never have a chance. The DDT epidemic has now mostly been reconciled, but raptors are still ingesting toxic chemicals on the reg. Such a simple measure as abandoning the use of rodent poisons could save the lives of multiple owls, hawks, etc. Upon consuming an infected rodent, the bird in question is promptly poisoned. Please just allow our avian predators to do their jobs, or your rodent disturbance will transform into a rodent infestation.[/ultimate_heading]

Screaming from the Sky

Perched in the most exposed perch to be found, this stunning red-shouldered hawk proudly makes his / her voice heard. Everglades National Park, FL.

Harris Hawk

Harris hawks are quite unusual in being the only North American species known to hunt in groups. These groups are often closely-related, and coordinate their hunting to trap squirrels, rats, and other small creatures amidst the thorny labyrinths of our Sonoran Desert.
Ironwood National Forest, AZ.
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A Yucca Perch

I watched this Swainson's hawk for quite some time as he/she scanned the open grassland. Eventually, this amazing creature sluggishly stretched, evacuated, then took flight. Willcox, AZ.
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Caracara on a Cactus

Caracaras are primarily tropical birds. Nonetheless, these beautiful raptors can still be found within select Southern AZ habitats. Caracaras behave like a cross between vulture and hawk, readily gobbling down carrion, but also catching live prey when available.

Osprey

Crested Caracara

Hunting Harrier

Harriers apply a unique hunting strategy. They glide slowly over wetlands and vast grassland habitat in search of prey. When a rodent, reptile, or small bird is within striking distance, the harrier quickly arcs downward to snatch up the hapless creature. Tucson, AZ.

Cactus Kestral

The American Kestral is considered North America's smallest "hawk." These agile little predators are just at home in the middle of the desert as they are in eastern farmlands. The common denominator seems to be a large, open swath with great visibility. Saguaro National Park, AZ.

Golden Ghost

Male harriers are often referred to as "grey ghosts" for their beautiful coloration and mysterious nature. The last traces of golden hour light magnificently grace this female northern harrier with the only lighting worthy of such an incredible raptor. Tucson, AZ.

Coot Catch

Soaring Across the Sky

Goggles Off

Raptors have an extra eyelid referred to as a nictitating membrane. This semi-transparent body part acts rather like goggles that we might wear to protect our visual receptors from wind and dust.
I watched this hearty red-tailed hawk atop Mt Lemmon, one of the highest peaks in Southern Arizona, as a storm brewed around us. When winds began to intensify, the eyelid came down to protect his / her eyes. As the turbulence subsided, the piercing eyes yet again became visible.

Perching Predator

A red-shouldered hawk perches proudly above the treeline as dawn light just begins to tantalize the sky. Everglades National Park, FL.

Cooper’s Catch

Like other accipiters, Cooper's Hawks are specialized bird hunters. More slender and agile than larger hawks, they can turn on a dime, accelerate quickly, and maneuver through absurdly dense foliage. While chatting in the shade of a large tree, a friend and I suddenly noticed this incredible, macabre sight playing out directly overhead. Tucson, AZ.

Caracara Couple

On an overcast dawn walk along the beach, the surf flirting with wet sand as it frothed around my feet. I was greeted by the presence of these two yellow-headed caracaras. Mother (white) was teaching her offspring to forage for crab remnants. They seemed to scavenge up quite a meal! Puerto Jimenez, Costa Rica.