Friday, May 17, 2013

Raptors in Vermont

From 2-13
Due to my more casual nature of birding and not having a lot of time, I tend not to get many big trips or uncommon birds. A common theme for me is to watch the feeder birds and get a good feel for the local birding environment. One interesting thing about my area in Vermont, is the amount of raptors about. On any drive to work or into town, it is typical to see a Red-Tail Hawk or 2 and likely at least one Kestrel sitting on the wires. The Kestrels seem quite shy and don't seem to have trouble seeing inside a car, where-as some birding can be done from a closer vantage point using the car as a blind. Usually once a month I catch a Peregrine swooping in low trying to catch a swallow or earlier this year, flocks of Snow Buntings on the fields.  Carrying my camera in the car is a must and how I captured all of these shots, pulling over and quickly shooting.
From 2-13
From 2-13
This Black Morph Rough Legged Hawk, gave some great views as it hovered above a field flying into the wind.
From 2-13
From 2-13
This Osprey flew right over the parking lot where I was watching a Blue-Gray Gnatcatcher from the car, making me jump out and start shooting (and losing the Gnatcatcher).
From 2-13
Although this Red-Tail Hawk is back-lit, the views give a neat look at it's feathers, almost like an x-ray.
From 2-13
From 2-13
From 2-13

7 comments:

  1. Very nice Dan! Love the black morph rough-legged!

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  2. Geez that Black-morph is SWEET. Reminiscent of Zone-tailed too, never seen one like that.

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  3. Thanks very much Kathie and Laurence

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  4. Awesome in-flight raptor images, Dan! Very cool black morph.

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  5. Thanks very much Linda and Julie :)

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  6. Wow, what a variety of raptors in your neck of the woods. Great shots of them with wings spread. Love those little Kestrals such a beautiful bird!

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