Unlike the Red Tailed Hawk which attacked me yesterday, this cousin chose a much more serene location for this morning! It is a dream of many people, and apparently hawks, but not me to live right on a golf course. Having said that, from a bird’s vantage point assuming the golf course has many natural ponds and an abundance of woods, I can see the value! The scene certainly was peaceful at sunrise this morning.
My first morning bird hike in Florida was dramatic. I am down here helping my snowbird father who had some recent surgery.
About one hour ago this red tailed hawk attacked me! I must have stumbled upon his nesting area. If I had seen the nest, I would never have moved so close for this photo. It is quite scary to have a hawk dive and attack you. His talons looked very large when they were only four feet above my head. I quickly held up my camera on its monopod to fend him off and then immediately exited the area w/o any delay.
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In total I hiked for about 2.5 hours starting a bit before sunrise. The difference in the number and variety of birds between sprint time in Florida and an extended winter in northern Minnesota is amazing.
Wood Stork on Flight
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Wood Stork in Search of Breakfast
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Wood Ibis Duplication!
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Osprey on the Hunt.
Given I had an early morning plane to catch, I only had thirty minutes shortly after sunrise to look for some birds. I decided to make the focus of my search the ice flows of Lake Superior not far from my own. Luckily, I quickly spotted this bald eagle out on the ice drifting with the strong northeasterly wind.
I named the eagle Lord of the Ice!
Take Off of the Ice Lord!
