The Cape May Fall Out on October 29 and 30 produced a smorgasbord for hawks. The small birds were everywhere, and the hawks were after them. One person I met started the day by seeing a kestrel at one end of a power line feeding on a yellow-rump, and a Merlin on the other end feeding on a yellow-rump. I was glad I did not have a feather in my hat, lest a sharpie or coops mistake me for food. A couple of sharpies came so close on their dive that I almost felt the rush of air as they dove after prey.
Cape May is one of the premier hawk watch and count sites in the world. Thousands of raptors pass over the watch tower every year. Almost every place I went, I saw birds of prey.
They are not easy birds to photograph, but on those couple of October days, I had many opportunities to practice. Here are a few images.
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| Red-tailed Hawk |
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| Peregrine Falcon |
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| Northern Harrier - juvenile |
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| Bald Eagle - second year |
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| Sharp-shinned Hawk - juvenile with full crop |
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| Northern Harrier |
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Good birding!
7 comments:
wonderful images Chris
dan
Awesome photos, as always! So...when is your book coming out???
I always love looking at the owlish face of the Northern Harrier. Your capture of him are wonderful!
All photos are well done. It must be quite a sight to see.
Well, ok, I did not see this post, I just close my eyes and go away ;-) Wow wow and wow, yes well, you could practice!! Very impressive sighting and nice pictures. I will never these guys over here... Only the gyr falcon and the white-tailed eagle can be seen and they are hard to find, not like the merlin (there is a couple breeding close to home)
Wonderful captures/sightings during this hawk watch. I especially love the expression you captured on the juvenile Northern Harrier.
That is a fabulous series, Chris. Well done!!
I especially like the juvenile Harrier, I think the plumage is gorgeous.
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