Bird of the Week – Swainson’s Hawk
The Swainson’s Hawk is uncommon, even rare, in Alaska. This bird was seen and photographed in Interior Alaska in 2013.
Swainson’s Hawk, Delta Barley Project, Delta Junction
The normal range of this species extends only to the Canadian prairie. Oddly enough, a second Swainson’s Hawk was seen in Fairbanks that same spring.
Swainson’s Hawk, Fairbanks
Like other Buteos, this is a polymorphic species. This is a dark morph, as was the one in Delta, although they are obviously different birds.
Swainson’s Hawks are best known for their spectacular annual migrations, moving in vast flocks from North America to the pampas of South America. It’s not uncommon for hawk watches in Veracruz, Mexico to count tens of thousands of birds a day.
Camera geek stuff:
Photo 1 – f7.1, 1/640, ISO100
Photo 2 – f8, 1/160, ISO80
For more bird photos, please visit Frozen Feather Images.
According to Wiki, the dark morph is common in western birds.
THAT bird looks to have a chip on his shoulder. Must be his smaller size makes him/her snarly.
Gorgeous bird and good job getting the photos!