I first saw Bobby Hawk sitting on a western water tower. It was the same water tower I saw a Cooper’s Hawk sitting on February 21st. It’s a popular raptor spot!
Bobby:
Preening:
He flew to the neighboring building a minute later.
Deep-preening:
He decided to fly off 10 minutes later:
He hopscotched to yet another building on the western side of the park:
On the move again:
He flew over the park then headed northeast out of the park:
Sadie was tucked low and out of sight in the nest bowl. I was content to watch some of the other park critters between Hawk action.
A Yellow-bellied Sapsucker Woodpecker was well-camouflaged on a tree:
A group of pigeons foraged next to me. I thought this black and white pigeon might be the bird I’ve nicknamed Dover but it was a different beauty:
The black and white pigeon grabbed a peanut and the darker pigeon pecked at it. Competition for peanuts is fierce I guess.
A comparison between today’s pigeon and “Dover” (maybe they’re kin!):
Pecking at a new peanut:
All was nice and busy with the pigeons, squirrels, and woodpeckers when all of a sudden Sadie flew out of the nest and went northeast:
She returned to the nest 3 minutes later. I was first alerted to her return by birds screeching out a warning cry, the park going quiet, and Sadie’s shadow flying overhead.
It was a great way to wrap up my visit.
How well camouflaged the sapsucker is against the bark of the tree.
Initially, I could not see the bird at all and then as in a maze…there she/he is …of course
Nature is so fantastic in protecting the animal/fowl inhabitants.Thanks for the peek into the nature world, Roger_Paw
So happy to see Dover has a family nearby…and of course our hawks seem well w/ family on the way.
It was a picture perfect outing today. All was well with the park creatures I saw and the Hawks were doing great!