feathers

 

There hasn't been many raptors around lately and this picture might explain why. The bird in the top right is a raven, there were two of them probably protecting a nest site. The hawk was hunting small mammals. Nearby there was a dead young rabbit caught by the neck in a chain link fence and the raptor might have been looking for it. Prey is sparse in the winter. 

    The more agile ravens were flying above and diving at the bigger bird's back. The hawk was patient, and eventually the ravens left it alone. Very few birds can flip over in mid-air and defend from attacks from above. The eagles and ospreys can.

Today was a good day for birding. To be clear, I do not like birds as much as other classes of animal. Mostly because of all the awesome shots I did NOT get because they just can't seem to hold still for a photo (especially the raptors). IN the cold mornings, the birds that rely on feeders should be most visible, which most means the small ones. Some people feed the sandhill cranes too.

I think these are siskins (but I don't know) feeding on sunflower seeds along the hedgerows and banks. There are many species in there, but they all just look small and flitty from a distance.

 Early in the morning there is always a nice assortment of fishing critters out before the dog walkers and vehicles convince them to move on to the other side ot the river. I think there is a great heron and a two night herons here.

These days it is pretty rare to see a Sandhill crane by itself.

There were more than the usual number of sandhill crane flocks strung out in long haul formation heading to Bosque del Apache. Also, I saw a large flock of what looked like seagulls flying past. They like to stop off at the Rio Rancho dump, now the raven have moved into town to stay warmer. The contrast of their racous white versus the more stately black raven is pretty stark.

There are lots of reasons for bird migration. I suspect the ravens and crows move into town for better survival chances in cold weather. This one did not made the right move, and likely succumbed to a coyote while hunting for fallen pecans. Pickings must be good if the old carnivore didn't bother to finish off this Thanksgiving turkey.

While the mallards are more numerous and showy, there are many other duck species hanging around, like this (not a) scaup.

belted kingfishers are usually as bossy and shrill as their hairdo would suggest. I have never seen them close to their biggest competitors, the herons, who much prefer a more stately pace of life.

This photo was taken far south of here, We never seem to attract snow geese like these. They prefer big open grazed field, but also need large, open bodies of shallow water. We do get smatterings of Canada geese though.