Hawk watcher #1, Cranberry Marsh
Hawk watch is the term fondly used to describe what is actually a raptor watch. Many migrating raptors (eagles, hawks, falcons and vultures) are heading southward to avoid Canada's winter.
Hawk watcher #2, Cranberry Marsh
Many raptors fly through southern Ontario to the northern shores of Lake Ontario then head westerly to cross into the U.S. between Lakes Ontario and Erie. Cranberry Marsh is one spot on Lake Ontario where the raptors turn westerly.
Spotting scope
To conserve energy on their long journey, raptors take advantage of strong updrafts to help them glide towards their destination. Since most raptors flying south are very high up, hawk watchers use binoculars and spotting scopes to help them identify which raptors are passing through.
Bald eagle flying over Cranberry Marsh
A few raptors did fly low enough for me to capture with my lens, but this bald eagle was likely not part of the official count as it was one of the "locals." In fact it was in the middle of a scuffle with another local bald eagle over the prize (whatever that is I don't know) this eagle was carrying in its claws.
Record keeping
I am linking to I'd Rather B Birdin' HERE.
36 comments:
I'm not sure my first comment went through...loved the post and love that bald eagle shot!
Great photos today. I live so close to Cranberry Marsh that you have made me feel guilty for not making a visit to it. I'll try to make up for it.
Hence the saying, "He is watching you like a hawk." :-)
i like the hawk watcher shots and the beautiful eagle. we have many of them here, and last week someone shot one of them, they found it on the side of the road dead...they are protected but no one knows who did it.
It's always wonderful to see raptors, specially in large numbers
What an exciting time for birdwatchers - and a sign that winter is drawing closer.
What a fascinating post. I had never heard the term raptor and have never seen such an impressive spotting scope. This is serious business for all of you. The captures are fabulous. Am wondering what he has has tucked away in his claws. Beautiful photos. genie
Cool shots- and I am pondering what he has captured..maybe a rat!
It's good to see the birders and their equipment as well as the birds. Lovely shot of "baldie".
Ah... the sign of fall, migrating raptures. Great shot of the eagle.
Being at a Hawkwatch is a wonderful experience. It is one of those things which one has to experience to appreciate.The Eagle is a great capture.
That shot of the eagle is just stunning!
i noticed that 'ball' it was carrying. so beautiful!
I did not know we had bald eagles around here. By the way where is Cranberry Marsh?
On Monhegan Island this weekend(19 miles off Maine) with plenty of birders.
Even the name "Cranberry Marsh" makes me want to go there. You got such a good picture of the eagle! We have a few eagles that winter at our lakes here.
Excellent shot of the Eagle. Maybe they are heading this way---I doubt it you are too far east. We get Eagles and other Raptors from Siberia and northern Alaska. They stop in the Frasier River Valley of B.C. before coming to the Skagit Valley to winter over. Are you in on the count or just the watch? MB
Interesting exercise!! Boom & Gary of the Vermilon River, Canada.
I was fun to see the watcher instead of the watched this time.
;)
HI How wonderful to be able to see so many raptors flying over and that shots of the Eagle is great.
I hope you saw some wonderful sightings. Have a fantastic week. Jen
That is very interesting. It must be wonderful to live in an area that sees a lot of bird migration like that. You got a great photo of the eagle too! Why do some eagles and hawk (raptors) migrate farther south while some stay in the area. We have them here most of the year around. (I don't know much about them) Thanks for sharing.
Bud and I were just at our local hawk migration watch this morning and we saw quite a few...but only in the binoculars.
Your bald eagle image is super. Isn't it a great time of year for birding?
Hawk watching is so exciting, and the talents of some of the most experienced watchers is really impressive.
Maybe you didn't get any hawks, but your bald eagle photo is very nice!
What a great thing to see if you have the patience to wait.
Many of these raptors will soon be flying in the trees of southwest Florida, where I will be on the ground admiring them in about a month.
Beautiful! We see bald eagles here often, and yet it's always such a thrill. They are so beautiful and majestic.
Sounds fascinating! The large raptors are so amazing to watch. We have a couple resident eagles on the lake we live on...truly breathtaking to see...a bit scary for the pets, though!
Love the bald eagle shot!
A keen study in concentration, great series!
Migrating birds are a fascinating sight in the sky. At the moment, we are watching lots of "V" formations of ibises going to our nearby Coolart Wetlands for Spring breeding. Interesting series of photos.
Interesting to see the spotters at work. What a great shot of the eagle.
Darla
Wonderful capture of the Bald Eagle--I so love seeing them. But it fives me a thrill to see any raptor.
I just saw a wonderful documentary on this yesterday on PBS - so very interesting!
gorgeous shot of the eagle. :)
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