Birds in Flight - Part 5

Time for a few more Birds-in-Flight. I previously covered  two common hawks here at the refuge (Swainson's and Red-tailed), but we do have other raptors.

The Northern Harrier was formerly called the Marsh Hawk, and that was a good name.  We regularly see them flying low and slow over the marsh, listening carefully for the sound of a tasty rodent moving through the grasses. The white rump is a good field mark.

At the other end of the spectrum behaviorally is the Peregrine Falcon. Flying high and fast, the Peregrine Falcon is considered to be the fastest animal in the world. In a high-speed dive, they have been clocked at over 200 mph!  We occasionally see a Peregrine hunting over the field behind the trailer, but have never observed it diving on prey.

A common bird around the refuge is the Black-billed Magpie.  They are large, flashy, and loud, so when one in around you know it! In this area you are more likely to see magpies on road kill than you are vultures.  They are omnivores and will eat just about anything that they find.  This serves them well during the very cold winters here, as they aren't at all picky and will eat even pet food and garbage.

Today's final bird-in-flight is an uncommon one. We have seen a few Lewis's Woodpeckers in cottonwood trees along rivers. This is an unusual woodpecker in that they regularly feed on insects caught in the air while in flight.  This photo shows the very broad wings which are handy for aerial hunting. Also notice the pink body that is distinctive for this woodpecker.

Mark