Because it's Summer - an immature Swainson's Hawk

On the Canadian Prairies in summertime, we see lots of hawks — many of which are Swainson's Hawks, large raptors in varying shades of brown and white that visit us from spring through fall, then soar off to winter in Argentina. (Or maybe it's Argentina that they visit? We both claim these birds as ours...)

Immature Swainson's Hawk - just another prairie fence post bird... © SB

Swainson's Hawk takes off. © SB

I photographed this young Swainson's Hawk several years ago. I'm told that it would have been about one year old at the time I took these pictures, which show it moulting into its second generation feathers. (Apparently Swainson's are the only North American buteo with an immature plumage in their second year, somewhere between juvenile and adult. The things you learn from What's this Bird? With thanks to the American Birding Association for that Facebook group!)


What is this? A young Swainson's Hawk (Buse de Swainson)
Location: South of Chaplin, Saskatchewan, in/near the Western Hemispheric Shorebird Reserve.
Photo date: June 29, 2012

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Prairie Hawk with Fresh Kill

Swainson's Hawk with kill on fencepost © SB 

The Swainson's Hawk lifted slowly into the air from its fence post when I drove past, only to land a few posts further down the gravel road.

Until I passed that post.

And then again, the hawk rose.

And again.

When I slowed to take a picture of this hawk at the fourth (and for me, final) post, I saw why it might have been flying such short distances with each lurch into the sky.

The heavy weight of dinner. A fresh kill. Something once furred, now degloved, lay beneath its claws.

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And yes, I'm pretty sure this is a Swainson's Hawk... 

But as for the prey, it looks like a lot of meat for a gopher... Who knows? 


What is this?  A Swainson's Hawk. With prey.    
Location: South of Chaplin, Saskatchewan, Canada.

Photo date: June 29, 2012.  

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