Swainson's Hawk
Sep 2, 2016 04:02:21 #
The hawks on campus are about to begin their migration south to Argentina, but before they go, they have been gorging themselves on some sort of grub. This summer Denver has been inundated with June Bugs. It's possible that these grubs later develop into June bugs. I normally find the hawks perched in the tops of many of the large trees on campus, but I observed this particular bird two days ago dining on the ground. It remained on the ground for 45 minutes during which time it was joined by another. The pair strutted around like chickens eating the grubs. These shots were all handheld using a Tamron 150-600 and D7000 at a distance of 20-60 feet. They were still on the ground happily eating when darkness forced me to cease my documentation of this event.
Sep 2, 2016 04:59:42 #
Sep 2, 2016 06:01:14 #
Nice shots, I love the front on shot (#2). Right off it reminded me of the T-Rex scenes in Jurasic Park
Sep 2, 2016 09:36:55 #
Sep 2, 2016 22:08:11 #
beautiful shots. #2 is incredible. I've never seen hawks feeding on grubs. gary
Sep 3, 2016 07:08:13 #
Manglesphoto wrote:
Great images!!!!!!
Thanks, Manglesphoto. Pleased you like them.
Sep 3, 2016 07:10:01 #
Revet wrote:
Nice shots, I love the front on shot (#2). Right off it reminded me of the T-Rex scenes in Jurasic Park
Now that you say that, there are some definite similarities.
Sep 3, 2016 07:13:25 #
Cwilson341 wrote:
Nice sharp shots. Up close and personal!
It was an interesting encounter. My presence did not seem to bother them at all. The were too intent on feeding.
Sep 3, 2016 07:15:55 #
gwr wrote:
beautiful shots. #2 is incredible. I've never seen hawks feeding on grubs. gary
Neither had I. These guys have done a number on the rabbit and squirrel population on campus of which I have been witness to both, but without expending much energy, they were feasting on the grubs.
Sep 3, 2016 07:19:11 #
jmdenver wrote:
The hawks on campus are about to begin their migra... (show quote)
Jmdenver, Thank you for not only the photos but the detailed story as to what they are up to. Really enjoyed both and the photos deserve the following.
Thanks again, Greg.
Sep 3, 2016 07:36:08 #
Sep 3, 2016 07:59:08 #
Nice pictures of a regal, beautiful bird. Obviously gathering the grubs provides an extremely high energy food with little work. Congratulations on taking advantage of a great opportunity.
Sep 3, 2016 14:42:25 #
jmdenver wrote:
The hawks on campus are about to begin their migra... (show quote)
that's a beautiful hawk, and i love your shots of it...especially the second one.
Sep 3, 2016 14:44:17 #
jmdenver wrote:
The hawks on campus are about to begin their migra... (show quote)
Very well presented jmdenver.
Sep 3, 2016 16:30:16 #
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