January 10, 2021
Farmington Bay is always a great place to visit and observe the wildlife and this visit was no exception. Although I miss the summer songbirds and the sounds of the red-winged blackbirds, the raptors and herons put on quite a show.
American Kestrel
I finally got a shot of a kestrel, a bird from my lifer list. (You should know, I’ve only been birding for a year now so it’s not really that dramatic. Lol) I love the kestrels, they are so cute with their big eyes, polka-dots feathers and beautiful earth-tone colors. The kestrel is the smallest of the American falcons. Built for speed these birds have long slender tapered wings.
Great Blue Heron
The great blue heron was beautifully colored and feathered. I assume it is getting close to mating season, although I admittedly don’t know much about their mating season. I read a little and learned they are seasonally monogamous. That is, they mate with one heron for the duration of the mating season and then might choose a different mate the next year.
Northern Harrier Attacks Juvenile Redtail Hawk
This was the highlight of the day. Bill and I noticed a juvenile redtail hawk close to the road and pulled over to get some pictures. As soon as we set up, a northern harrier swooped in behind the redtail and attacked him. The redtail was very reluctant to give up his perch and the harrier was determined to get him to leave. I watched the harrier attack and circle attacking again, three times before the redtail finally left. It was an awesome experience.
