Bug and Rodent Killer

This is a Swainson's Hawk which thrives on large insects (grasshoppers, dragon flies, etc.) and, during breeding season, small animals, including mice, rats, bats and other such creatures. They are very fast and graceful in flight and will sometimes hunt in pairs. As you can see from this photograph, they are well camouflaged and can be hard to see if you don't see them land.

THE MOST REGAL OF ALL BIRDS

The Utah Waterfowl Management Area on Farmington Bay is the temporary residence of constantly changing variety of birds. As an landscape and wildlife photographer it offers me countless opportunities to see these beautiful birds up close and in a natural state. I am fortunate, also, that it is only a 10 minute drive from my home! In the last several weeks there have been a plethora of pelicans and bald eagles. One bird that is usually present, but absent so far this year, is the Giant Blue Heron. Maybe they will stop by. I'll be watching!

Stare Down..A Seagull With A Death Wish!

 

Whenever Bald Eagles are feeding, you will find a swarm of California Seagulls present to enjoy the leftovers (California Seagulls the Utah state bird? Yes!). Strangely, contrary to the implication of this post's title, they interact peacefully. Though I frequently see the eagles get into territorial fights, the seagulls hover in close proximity with narry a ruffled feather.

Team Work

 

Pelicans are so interesting. They "fish" as a team, swimming back and forth in the open water in the Farmington Bay like a highly discipined group of soldiers in formation, dipping their heads underwater periodically, most often in unison, and then, when a fish is caught, raising their bills in in the air to swallow their prey.

Two Bald Eagles, One Hapless Fish

Have you ever seen a cat play with a mouse it's caught? Well, I guess eagles do that too! While taking photos as the Farmington Bay Water Fowl Managment area I observed an eagle catch a fish from the open water you see in the background. It then walked a few feet toward me and laid it on the ice and then walked a short distance away from the fish. It was almost as if it was daring anyone (or anything) to take the fish. Sure enough, another eagle was up to the challenge. As you can see, there ensued quite a squabble. The eagle that caught the fish won! After the the aspiring "thief" flew away, the defender again walked away from the fish. I never did see him eat it.