Hawks and Geese, September 2, 2015

ABC Wednesday, Wild Bird Wednesday, and Wednesday Waters

Wild Bird Wednesday and ABC Wednesday
H is for Hawk

Red-Tailed Hawk, Buteo jamaicensis, Lee County, Mississippi, USA, August 27, 2015

The Red-Tailed Hawk belongs to the Accipitridae family of Hawks and Eagles. There are 240 species worldwide; 24 species breed in North America. They all have hooked bills and sharp talons for catching their prey.  Small rodents are the primary source of food for Red-Tailed Hawks.

Their favorite perches here in Mississippi seem to be electric power poles and dead trees. Their very sharp eyesight allows them to scan the ground for the slightest movement in the grass below. They also hunt 'on the wing' soaring over open country watching for their prey on the ground.

Coloration may vary from darker to lighter, but they can be identified by their rusty-red tail feathers (much more noticeable in flight).

Wednesday Waters

Lake at Ballard Park, Tupelo, Mississippi, USA, August 26, 2015

The Canada Geese were enjoying the cooler weather at Ballard Park last Wednesday.

Sometimes it is just a matter of being in the right place at the right time.  Several small flocks came in to land on the lake, so I was able to photograph them with their 'landing gear' down.

Here come some more!

Have a Beautiful Day!

For more on the letter H, visit ABC Wednesday:  Click Here!

For more bird photos, visit Wild Bird Wednesday:  Click Here!

For more water photos, visit Wednesday Waters:  Click Here!

NOTE: Please do not use my photos without my permission.