The migration is now in full force along the North Shore of Lake Superior. Whether a duck or a hawk, diving for food is a common task! These sequence of photos show both a Redhead and American Kestrel (Sparrow Hawk) in the act of diving.
Redhead Diving
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Sparrow Hawk Diving
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Sparrow Hawk Preening Poses
While Hawk Ridge is a great place to go during the migration, the woods and ponds within a few miles of the ridge often offer opportunities to see the same birds, just without the crowds! All three of these photos were taken near the Ridge within the past 24 hours.
If you are looking for the Northern Lights excursion updates, scroll down to the next blog post (just past these three bird photos).
Purple Finch
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American Kestrel
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Great Blue Heron
Thunderstorms ruled the day from sunrise to early afternoon. When the rains finally ended, I suspected that given NE winds providing an easy ride, the hawk migration would be active. In addition, the horrible hunting conditions that were present this morning should mean some very hungry birds! I was not disappointed.
I only wish that the skies had been bright and brilliant for better photographic conditions, but I am NOT complaining! I had been watching six American Kestrels hunt, and over the course of 20 minutes had slowly worked my way closer and closer. Luck was on my side!
A Sharp-Shinned Hawk Attacks Two American Kestrel
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Before!
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After!
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Post Attack … the Nasty Sharp-Shinned Hawk has moved on!
