Raptors: XIV

Continuing with raptors, we have the Ferruginous Hawk. This is the largest of the Buteos with a length of 23 inches and wingspan of 56 inches. The snowy white underside is a most distinguishing characteristic. It likes grasslands (as you can see) and hunts small animals from a perch, by kiting, on poles, even on the ground (as you can see). It was taken at the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge in Southwest Washington. In the following photo (which is not particularly good) you can see the rufous colored wings: 

Then the front side of the Ferruginous Hawk. These last above photo was taken here at The Azure Gate. The photo below south of the town of Willcox, Arizona between the Chiricahuas and the Dragoons. 

Raptors: XIII

A common Summer visitor in the Southwest is the Swainson's Hawk. The Swainson's hunts in just about every way possible: perched, kiting, coursing (like the Harrier Hawk), and even walking. It eats small mammals and insects (especially grasshoppers and locusts). The Swainson's Hawk winters in Argentina giving it one of the longest migratory patterns. Its population declined much of the 20th Century due the use of pesticides in Argentina. However, working with the Argentinian farmers has helped the population to rebound.

Swainson's Hawk at Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge

Swainson's Hawk near the Florida Mountains in Southwest New Mexico

Juvenile on Right

Juvenile Swainson's Hawk also near the Florida Mountains

Raptors: XII

Another raptor found only in Arizona is the Common Black Hawk. I am not quite sure why the name "Common" Black Hawk. It certainly isn't very common with such limited distribution. This one I photographed at Turkey Creek in Araivipa Canyon (Galiuro Mountains). The Black Hawk perches in trees looking for amphibians to eat, so is never far from a creek or stream. It can be distinguished from the Zone Tail (next photo) by its relatively long yellow legs and much broader wings.

Common Black Hawk 

 The Zone Tail Hawk at rest looks very similar to the Black Hawk. However, since the Zone Tail Hawk hunts birds and small mammals from the air (and so is usually in the air)  it is easier to distinguish by its longer tail and narrower wings. Also because its legs are shorter, and tail longer, the legs don't trail to the end of the tail as it does with the Black Hawk. This photo was taken as I was eating lunch in our oasis.

Zone Tail Hawk

Raptors: Part XI

Back to "Raptors" now. I'll start with raptors found only in the Southwest then move on to the others. The first is the Harris Hawk. Found only in Southern Arizona and Southwest Texas, the Harris Hawk is a frequent visitor to The Azure Gate. The Harris Hawk is unique in that it often hunts in families; usually two or three, but I've seen as many as 12 together. They are easily trained as you can see if you visit the Sonoran Desert Museum (in Tucson) each afternoon at 1:30. They also have a loud rasping sound to let you know you are in their "territory." With rufous shoulders, this is one of the more beautiful raptors.

Harris Hawk with Tree Branch

Harris Hawk Airing Out his Wings

Harris Hawk Close Up

Before Leaving Miller Canyon

Before leaving Miller Canyon, here are a few more photos. First, Beatty's Orchard has a hundred or so Apple Trees. Some were full of apples - red and green. This one was by itself and begged for a photo:

They also have a few squash plants that were blooming like this blossom:

The waterlilies were in bloom:

And, still some wonderful wildflowers like this Ivyleaf Morningglory:

So, that's it from Miller Canyon --- this time. I'll probably go back in a couple of weeks. We'll see.

More Hummers from Miller Canyon

So, here are a few more hummers from our Miller Canyon visit:

White Eared Male

White Eared Female

Magnificent Male

Blue Throat Female

Broad Tailed Female

Costa's Female

Anna's Male

Black Chin Male

So, this week's two trips to Miller Canyon found 12 species of Hummingbirds. Not bad!

Back to Miller Canyon, Again

Christine and I headed out early this morning to go to Ramsey Canyon. When we got there the road had been washed out. We had drenching monsoon rains last night, so all the washes had water and creeks were overflowing. So, we decided to go to Miller Canyon. Not only more wonderful hummingbird photos but a wonderful surprise as well. Yesterday, I told you that the Ruby Throated Hummingbird was only found in the East. On the Sibley's Guide map, there aren't any dots for Ruby Throated in Arizona. But, take a look at this:

Usually, I don't take photos on feeders. But, this was a special occasion. He was the only one, and was not around long. There are four hummers with red throats: Plain Capped Starthroat (which has a long wide stripe between eye and throat); Anna's (which has a red crown as well); the Ruby Throated; and the Broad Tail (which has a white eye ring, white line from chin to eye to neck, and buffy flanks). I'll show you some other hummers from this trip tomorrow.