Nature Study

Hunting redtails, bathing sparrows, and birding humor

I couldn’t believe how close this hawk came to us in the woods today. It was amazing to see him hunting at such close range!

He seemed to catch something, floundered around in the leaves, then flew back up to his perch. Hunting is hard work. He never did catch anything while we watched, but he perched in several trees and continued trying. I have no doubt he satisfied his hunger eventually.

I kind of like the effect of the blurred wings in this photo, but sharp talons and beak.

We also saw a white-throated sparrow taking a bath.

Rub-a-dub-dub!
You, sir, are one handsome bird!
His brood patch is there in the middle of his chest, I think.
Post-bath solar drying

He looks like he’d be so warm and soft to hold in the hand and stroke, doesn’t he?

“What does a white-throated sparrow sing when he takes a bath?” I asked my husband, expecting an answer like “Rubber Ducky” or “Singin’ In the Rain.” Instead, he whistled the white-throated sparrow’s song.

It’s great to belong to a family of bird fans.

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