Hello all,
In spite of the blizzard we had most of the usual visitors to are backyard
feeders today and three special visitors.
The first was a Red Tailed Hawk who was first seen at 07:45 fighting against
the 60K winds over the hay field. The Red Tail came back several times during
the day and roosted for a while in one of our walnuts. Every other bird in the
yard did a vanishing act with each appearance.
The White Crowned Sparrows which have been making an appearance for the last
three days appeared again today. They seem to be hanging around with the
American Tree Sparrows which are daily visitors.
The highlight of the day was an adult Cooper's Hawk. While I was quietly
reading every bird at the feeders and especially the 30 or so Mourning Doves
digging below them exploded in every direction. It was then that I saw
feathers falling and went to take a look. An adult Coopers Hawk then came
through the yard and landed on a pile of brush on the east side of the yard.
He stayed there for about 5 minutes and gave us the opportunity to have a good
look. I blew the photos by leaving the camera on auto focus. I have a nice
picture of part of the trunk of a maple with a very out of focus Hawk. I hope
he gives me another chance.
I live on Concession 13, 2.5 Kms west of Townsend. It is one concession north
of the Townsend Sewage Lagoons. The Fire #1560.
Richard Hardman
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