Red-tailed hawk (Buteo jamaicensis)

The red-tailed hawk is a common and widespread hawk.  This hawk has a great variety of appearances and differs with geography.  There are five races of red-tails: western, eastern, Fuertes, Florida and Harlan's.  Western red-tails are found in the Pacific Northwest and the Eastern race extends to the northern Great Plains. 

The red-tailed hawk is frequently seen during the summer in the northern plains.  This hawk’s breeding range is largely in Canada but also includes Alaska, North and South Dakota, Minnesota, Montana and parts of New England and the eastern United States.  They winter in most of the United States except the northern plains states.  Commonly called a “chicken hawk”, the red-tailed hawk usually eats small mammals but also will attack birds and snakes.  You are most likely to see the “red-tail” on powerline posts, hay bales or occasionally on fence posts.  I have seen the hawk listen intently then pounce to the ground and come up with an unfortunate mouse. 

The estimated population of red-tails in the United States is 1 million.  They are monogamous and will often return to the same breeding area year after year.  Sexual maturity occurs at 2 years of age.  Males will attempt a courtship flight display with females before mating. 

Many falconers have red-tailed hawks as their hunting companions due to the intelligent, social and healthy nature of these hawks.

In flight one of the best identifying features is the dark marks on the front underwing.  Adults show a red tail and juvenile have two-toned upper wings.

Length averages 19 inches, wingspan 49 inches and weighs 2 ½ pounds with large red-tails up to 3 1/3 pounds.

The Krider's version is a white morph of the Eastern red-tail with a nearly all white head and underparts

Swainson’s Hawk (Buteo swainsoni)

Swainson’s hawks have one of the longest migrations of any raptor and will travel from their wintering range in Argentina all the way to their nesting areas in the northern plains and southern Canada.  This round trip can amount to 6,000 miles. 

Three age groups are seen: adult, one-year old and juvenile.  Females are larger than males.  Color varies from light-morph, rufous-morph to dark-morph.   The Swainson’s hawk is one of the largest raptors.  They breed on open areas and prairies of western states from Texas to North Dakota and over to California and western states.

Length averages 19 inches, wingspan 51 inches and weight nearly 2 pounds although some Swainson’s will weigh nearly 3 pounds.

Key recognition features on the classic adult are the red bib on the upper chest with on the unmarked white belly and a two-toned underwing with a pale wing front.  A white throat patch may also be seen.  The rufous morph has a rufous belly and red markings on the pale front underwing.  The dark morph has all dark body and underwings. 

Rough-legged hawk (Buteo lagopus)

The rough-legged hawk can be seen in southern Canada and northern states during the winter months as they migrate south from their summer Arctic breeding grounds.  This is a substantial hawk with females larger than males.  Feathers cover the legs to provide insulation in the hawk’s cold range.  Six plumage types are seen: adult male, female and juvenile of either dark or light morphs.

Light morphs predominate in the west while dark morphs amount to 25 to 40 percent in the east.

Length averages 21 inches, wingspans 53 inches and weighs 2.2 pounds with large rough-legged hawks weighing 3 pounds.

The rough-legged hawk has a distinctive wing pattern of dark carpal patches on the underwings and tail feathers with a white edge, followed by a dark and, the narrow bands of white and dark.  Rough-legged hawks can hover for a short period of time, a feature that distinguishes it from other hawks.  The American kestrel, however, excels in hovering.

Ferruginous hawk (Buteo regalis)

Ferruginous hawks are named after their rust-colored (ferruginous) legs.  They and the rough-legged hawk are the only hawks with leg feathers which extend down to their toes.  The ferruginous hawk is the largest hawk in North America with females are larger than males.   Four types can be seen:  juvenile and adult of light and dark morphs.  Dark morphs are uncommon and amount to 10% of this hawk.  They hunt day and night by using a variety of techniques including ground or aerial attack and can hover over their prey.  Ferruginous Hawks prefer to eat small mammals: ground squirrels, prairie dogs, gophers and rabbits. They will occasionally eat amphibians, reptiles, insects, and birds.

Ferruginous hawks have a much shorter migration than broad-winged and Swainson’s hawks.  Ferruginous hawks winter in southern United States and Central America.

Length averages 23 inches, wingspan 56 inches and weight 3 ½ pounds although some Ferruginous weight up to 4 ½ pounds. 

Key recognition features are long tapered wings with dark wingtips, dark feathered legs and dark eye-line light morphs.  In flight, the dark legs appear to form a “V” on the belly while the white wings have black wingtips.  The tail is not banded.

Ferruginous hawks are not commonly found in North Dakota compared to the more common red-tailed and Swainson’s hawks and the northern harrier.  Ferruginous hawks are most frequently seen in southwestern states.  Numbers have recovered from hunting and habitat loss and their conservation status was moved from Near Threatened to Least Concern status in 2008.

Cooper’s hawk (Accipiter cooperii)

The Cooper’s hawk is a small forest hawk well adapted to navigating flight among trees, making flight photography somewhat difficult.  The underwings are characterized by alternating white and dark bands.  The rounded tail feathers show 4 to 5 dark bands, a helpful distinguishing identification pattern. 

Length averages 15 inches for males and 18 inches for females, wingspans 29 inches for males and 33 inches for females and weight 12 ounces for males and 19 ounces for females with large females weighing 24 ounces.  The sharp-tailed hawk is similar in appearance but significantly smaller.

Cooper’s hawks can be found year round in most of the United States except northern and northeastern states.  Migrating hawks will breed in northern states and Canada and then return to winter in southern states and Central America.  They sometimes hangout by bird feeders, even in northern states during the winter, to prey on song birds.

Broad-winged Hawk (Buteo platypterus)

Broad-winged hawks are not commonly seen in North Dakota.  Their summer breeding range is in the eastern United States and central Canada.  Their winter range is in southern Florida, Central and South America.  Broad-winged hawks average 4,350 miles in their migration traveling nearly 70 miles a day.  They prefer forest habitat and prey on small mammals, amphibians, and insects by swooping down from low perches in trees.

Length averages 15 inches, wingspan 34 inches and weight averages 14 ounces with large broad-winged hawks can weight up to 17 ounces.

American Kestrel (Falco sparverius)

The American Kestrel is common and widespread in North America.  The kestrel is the smallest falcon in the United States.  Females are slightly larger than males.  Males have a rufous tail with a prominent dark band near the end tail.  Females have a reddish brown tail with number dark steaks.  Both have a gorgeous face with prominent mustache marks on a white face.   

Length averages 9 inches, wingspan 22 inches and weigh 4 ounces with large kestrels up to 5 ounces.

Kestrels are found year round in much of the United States, Central and South America.  Migrating American kestrels will breed in northern states and Canada then winter in central and southern states and Central America.

The American Kestrel likes open areas where it hunts large insects, mice and small birds from utility wires along roads.  This bird nests in abandoned woodpecker nests, openings in rocks and nooks in buildings.

Northern Harrier (Circus cyaneus)

Northern harriers can be recognized from a distance by their flight pattern, low to the ground and following contours of the land.  Males have largely white underwings, black wing tips and a dark gray head giving a hooded look.  Females have a dark brown head, brown streaked chest and multiple lines on the underwings.  Juveniles look like females except more of a rufous coloration.

Northern Harriers prefer prairie grasslands and sloughs.  They nest and on the ground and, in my experience, do not perch frequently on posts or powerlines.

Northern harrier females average 19 inches in length, 46 inches in wingspan and weight 18 ounces.  Males are considerably smaller and weight on average 12 ounces.

Northern harriers breed in Canada, northern, central, western states and winter in western states, Central America and northern South America.

Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus)

The American bald eagle is the national symbol of the United States and a sacred bird to many Native American tribes.  Over hunting and widespread use of DDT resulted in catastrophic losses of bald eagles with only 412 nesting pairs identified in the 48 contiguous states in the 1950s.  The bald and golden eagle protection act of 1940 began the process of recovery and DDT was banned in 1972.

The bald eagle is one of two North American eagles.  Females are larger than males.   Adult plumage arrives by age five years.  Young bald eagles can be identified by their age by recognizing their plumage and the amount of white on their bellies and wings.

Length averages 31 inches, wingspans 80 inches and weight 9 1/2 pounds with large eagles weighing up to nearly 14 pounds.

Bald eagles live year round in Alaska, western Canada, the northern west coast and northern Rockies.  Most of Canada and several northern states provide summer breeding habitat.  Bald eagles winter in most western, southern and northeastern states.  Most bald eagles head north through North Dakota into Canada although some will nest here along the Missouri River or near large lakes.  If the Missouri River has open water during mild winters, some bald eagles will stay in North Dakota during the winter.

The bald eagle is a fish eagle and therefore prefers lake and river habitat with nearby forest for perching and nesting.  Bald eagle nests are huge and can weigh nearly two tons!

The American bald eagle is an early arriver to North Dakota in the spring.  Over 60 bald eagles can easily be seen in a several hour drive from Bismarck.  Resting on partially frozen lake, the bald eagles feast on fish that died during the winter.

Bald eagles hunt fish but will also eat injured animals and roadkill.  They nest beginning in March or early April often using the same nest every year, adding layers to it, resulting in very large nests as time goes by.

An eagle can rotate its head approximately 180 degrees in each direction. Eagles have 14 cervical vertebrae allowing for greater rotation than humans who have just 7 cervical vertebrae and can typically rotate just 70-90 degrees in either direction. Many birds can survey their entire surroundings by moving their heads and not their body, helpful when perched on a small branch!

Golden Eagle

The Golden Eagle is one of the largest and fastest raptors in North America.

Golden Eagle's diet subsists primarily on rabbits, hares, ground squirrels, and prairie dogs as opposed to the bald eagle who prefers fish.

Bald eagles are larger than golden eagles in average height and wingspan, but there isn't much difference in average weight. One way to distinguish a golden eagle from an immature bald eagle is leg plumage. A golden eagle's legs are entirely feather covered; an immature bald eagle's lower legs are bare. As seen while in flight, juvenile golden eagles have white patches at the base of the primaries; the tail is white with a distinct dark terminal band. It takes four years to acquire adult plumage. Adult golden eagles are brown with tawny on the back of the head and neck; tail faintly banded.

The Rough-legged Hawk, the Ferruginous Hawk, and the Golden Eagle are the only American raptors to have legs feathered all the way to the toes.

Adult Golden Eagles are dark brown with a golden patch on the back of the head and neck. For their first several years of life, young birds have white patches at the base of the tail and in the wings.

Golden Eagles prefer partially or completely open country, especially around mountains, hills, and cliffs. They use a variety of habitats ranging from arctic to desert, including tundra, shrublands, grasslands, coniferous forests, farmland, and areas along rivers and streams. Found year round in the western half of the U.S., they are occasionally winter in eastern states after nesting in Canada.

Other Raptors

Answers to Northern Plains Raptor Quiz

1.  Which raptors have feathers on their legs down to their talons?

Answers- feathered legs help the hawks stay warm in very cold environments

b.  Rough-legged hawk

e.  Ferruginous hawk

2.  Which raptors are known for their ability to hover in flight?

Answers- hovering helps in finding prey but is labor intensive and difficult for large birds

b.  Rough-legged hawk

d.  American kestrel

3.  Which raptor has one of the longest migrations from Argentina to North Dakota each spring?

Answer- Swainson's and broad-winged hawks have long migrations

c.  Swainson's hawk

4.  Which raptor in commonly referred to as the "chicken hawk"?

Answer- during the early 20th century, the red-tail was hunted due to the inaccurate belief that it preyed on poultry

a.  Red-tailed hawk

Moveable Necks

Raptors have 14 cervical vertebrae that allow them to turn their necks 180 degrees or more. In contrast, humans have only 7 cervical vertebrae and can rotate their heads just 70-90 degrees in either direction.

https://www.nationaleaglecenter.org/learn/glossary/

Birds, such as the red-tailed hawk, move their head to move their eyes

Neck flexion 45 degrees allows the red-tailed hawk to check the ground for prey

Neck extension 90 degrees allows the red-tailed hawk to check the sky for other predators

Neck rotation 90 degrees allows the red-tailed hawk to check the sky for prey and  other predators

Neck rotation 135 degrees allows the red-tailed hawk to clean and prune feathers and check the area for prey and other predators

Neck rotation 180 degrees allows the red-tailed hawk to clean and prune feathers and check the area for prey and other predators

2019 Photos

Northern Harrier

The Hawk with an Owl-shaped Face!

A rare perched image!

Northern Harriers are the most owl-like of hawks (though they’re not related to owls). They rely on hearing as well as vision to capture prey. The disk-shaped face looks and functions much like an owl’s, with stiff facial feathers helping to direct sound to the ears.

https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Northern_Harrier/overview

Red-tailed Hawk Breakfast

2020 Photographs

Red-tailed Hawks

Red-tail Hawk!

This Red-tailed Hawk was photographed in Treasure County, Montana in the valley of the Yellowstone River in January 2020 as I traveled to Yellowstone National Park!

Photo of the Day for January 18, 2020

Red-tailed Hawk

Morton County, North Dakota

May 23, 2020

Red-tailed Hawk and Orchard Oriole

 McKenzie Slough, Burleigh County, North Dakota

July 24, 2020

Red-tailed Hawk

McKenzie Slough, Burleigh County, North Dakota

Photo of the Day- September 12, 2020

Red-tailed Hawk

McKenzie Slough, Burleigh County, North Dakota

September 30, 2020

Red-tailed Hawk

Burleigh County, North Dakota

October 4, 2020

Red-tailed Hawk and Common Grackle

McKenzie Slough, Burleigh County, North Dakota

Photo of the Day- October 6, 2020

Red-tailed Hawk and Common Grackle

McKenzie Slough, Burleigh County, North Dakota

October 6, 2020

Red-tailed Hawk

McLean County, North Dakota

November 6, 2020

Northern Shrikes

The northern shrike in North America is a large songbird species in the shrike family.  A predatory songbird, the Northern Shrike breeds in taiga and tundra and winters in southern Canada and the northern United States. It feeds on small birds, mammals, and insects, sometimes impaling them on spines or barbed wire fences.  Males and females are similar in plumage, pearly grey above with a black eye-mask and white underparts.

https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Northern_Shrike/overview

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_grey_shrike

Bald Eagles

Second-year Bald Eagle!

This bald eagle was photographed in McKenzie Slough, Burleigh County, North Dakota on March 23, 2020

Second-year Bald Eagle!

This bald eagle was photographed in McKenzie Slough, Burleigh County, North Dakota on March 23, 2020

Bald Eagle!

Burleigh County, North Dakota

April 5, 2020

Bald Eagle!

Burleigh County, North Dakota

April 5, 2020

Bald Eagle!

Burleigh County, North Dakota

April 16, 2020

Bald Eagle!

Burleigh County, North Dakota

April 16, 2020

Bald Eagle!

Burleigh County, North Dakota

Photo of the Day- April 16, 2020

Bald Eagle!

Burleigh County, North Dakota

April 16, 2020

What are you eating?

Bald Eagles!

Burleigh County, North Dakota

April 16, 2020

Bald Eagle!

Burleigh County, North Dakota

April 17, 2020

Bald Eagle!

Burleigh County, North Dakota

Photo of the Day- April 17, 2020

Bald Eagle!

Burleigh County, North Dakota

April 17, 2020

Bald Eagle

Burleigh County, North Dakota

April 17, 2020

Bald Eagle

Burleigh County, North Dakota

April 19, 2020

Bald Eagle

Long Lake National Wildlife Refuge, North Dakota

September 12, 2020

American Bald Eagle

Burleigh County, North Dakota

Photo of the Day- October 10, 2020

American Bald Eagle

Burleigh County, North Dakota

October 10, 2020

American Bald Eagle

Burleigh County, North Dakota

October 10, 2020

Striding Forward and Still Together at the End of 2020!

American Bald Eagles

   Burleigh County, North Dakota

Photo of the Day- December 18, 2020

Photo of the Month December 2020

American Bald Eagles

   Burleigh County, North Dakota

December 18, 2020

American Bald Eagles

   Burleigh County, North Dakota

December 18, 2020

American Bald Eagles

   Burleigh County, North Dakota

December 18, 2020

Golden Eagles

Year-round Resident!

Golden eagles are year-round residents of Theodore Roosevelt National Park.  Other year-round avian species include wild turkeys, black-capped chickadees, white-breasted nuthatches, and great-horned owls.

Photograph taken on March 28, 2020

https://www.nps.gov/thro/learn/nature/birds.htm

Golden Eagle

Theodore Roosevelt National Park, North Dakota

 March 29, 2020

Golden Eagles

Theodore Roosevelt National Park, North Dakota

 May 11, 2020

Golden Eagle

Theodore Roosevelt National Park, North Dakota

 May 11, 2020

Golden Eagles

Theodore Roosevelt National Park, North Dakota

Photo of the Day- May 11, 2020

Golden Eagles

Theodore Roosevelt National Park, North Dakota

 May 11, 2020

Golden Eagles

Theodore Roosevelt National Park, North Dakota

 May 11, 2020

Northern Harrier

Northern Harrier

McKenzie Slough, Burleigh County, North Dakota

Photo of the Day- April 4, 2020

Northern Harrier

Burleigh County, North Dakota

April 7, 2020

Northern Harrier

Burleigh County, North Dakota

April 7, 2020

Northern Harrier

Long Lake National Wildlife Refuge, North Dakota

September 17, 2020

Northern Harrier

Long Lake National Wildlife Refuge, North Dakota

September 17, 2020

Northern Harrier

Long Lake National Wildlife Refuge, North Dakota

September 17, 2020

American Kestrel

(for more photos- please see American Kestrel page in Dakota Region tab)

American Kestrel

Long Lake National Wildlife Refuge, North Dakota

April 5, 2020

American Kestrel

Long Lake National Wildlife Refuge, North Dakota

April 7, 2020

American Kestrel

Long Lake National Wildlife Refuge, North Dakota

April 7, 2020

American Kestrel

Burleigh County, North Dakota

April 22, 2020

American Kestrel

Burleigh County, North Dakota

April 22, 2020

American Kestrel

Burleigh County, North Dakota

April 22, 2020

Curved tree bud is shaped like his beak and talons!

American Kestrel

Theodore Roosevelt National Park, North Dakota

 May 11, 2020

Females are larger than Males!

American Kestrel

Theodore Roosevelt National Park, North Dakota

 May 11, 2020

Got an Itch!

American Kestrel

Theodore Roosevelt National Park, North Dakota

 May 11, 2020

Still have an Itch!

American Kestrel

Theodore Roosevelt National Park, North Dakota

 May 11, 2020

Caught a Mouse!

American Kestrel

Theodore Roosevelt National Park, North Dakota

 May 11, 2020

Eating with Mouth Open!

American Kestrel

Theodore Roosevelt National Park, North Dakota

 May 11, 2020

More food than meets the eye!

American Kestrel

Theodore Roosevelt National Park, North Dakota

 May 11, 2020

Nourishment!

American Kestrel

Theodore Roosevelt National Park, North Dakota

 May 11, 2020

You can see the Kestrel's tongue!

American Kestrel

Theodore Roosevelt National Park, North Dakota

 May 11, 2020

Swainson's Hawks

Swainson's Hawk

Burleigh County, North Dakota

April 22, 2020

Swainson's Hawks

Burleigh County, North Dakota

May 6, 2020

Swainson's Hawk

Burleigh County, North Dakota

May 10, 2020

Swainson's Hawks

Kidder County, North Dakota

June 27, 2020

Swainson's Hawk

Kidder County, North Dakota

Photo of the Day- June 27, 2020

Swainson's Hawk

Kidder County, North Dakota

June 27, 2020

Swainson's Hawk

Burleigh County, North Dakota

July 16, 2020

Swainson's Hawk

Burleigh County, North Dakota

September 1, 2020

Swainson's Hawk

Burleigh County, North Dakota

September 3, 2020

Swainson's Hawk

Burleigh County, North Dakota

September 3, 2020

Swainson's Hawk

Burleigh County, North Dakota

September 3, 2020

Great Horned Owls

(for more photos- please see Owl page in Dakota Region tab)

Great Horned Owls

Oliver County, North Dakota

April 26, 2020

The great horned owl, also known as the tiger owl or the hoot owl, is a large owl native to the Americas. It is an extremely adaptable bird with a vast range and is the most widely distributed true owl in the Americas.  Its primary diet is rabbits and hares, rats and mice, and voles, although it freely hunts any animal it can overtake, including rodents and other small mammals, larger mid-sized mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrate.   The great horned owl is one of the earliest nesting birds in North America, often laying eggs weeks or even months before other raptorial birds.  Great horned owls are some of the earliest-breeding birds in North America, seemingly in part because of the lengthy nightfall at this time of year and additionally the competitive advantage it gives the owl over other raptors. In most of North America, courtship is from October to December and mates are chosen by December to January.  Nests with open access, considering this birds large size, as opposed to enclosed with surrounding branches, are preferred. Like all owls, great horned owls do not build their own nest. Great horned owls tend to examine an area for an abandoned nest, generally from larger birds like hawks, and take over the nest for raising their own young.  They nest in a wider variety of nest sites than any other North American bird.  Many nests are in cavernous hollows of dead trees or their branches, especially in southern states in large trees along the edge of old-growth lots.  In mountainous or hilly areas, especially in canyons of the southwest and Rocky Mountains, cliff ledges, small caves, and other sheltered depressions may be used.  Owls living in prairie country, in the absence of other animals' nests, riparian trees or non-native trees or the bare ground of tree hollows or man-made structures, will use boulders, buttes, railroad cuts, low bushes and even the bare ground as nest sites.  There are usually 2 eggs per clutch, but clutches range in size from 1 to 6 eggs (over 3 is uncommon, over 4 is very rare), depending on environmental conditions.  The young weigh around 34.7 g (1.22 oz) at birth on average and can gain an average of about 33.3 g (1.17 oz) a day for the first four weeks of life, with typical weights in the range of 800 or 1,000 g (1.8 or 2.2 lb) by 25–29 days for males and females, respectively.  When first hatched the young are covered in whitish gray down, with some brownish about the wings. Gradually the soft juvenal downy plumage comes through the down, being typically a cinnamon-buff color, but with variable hues predicting the eventual color of the mature owls. The extent of down gradually diminishes, developing mature-looking plumage by late summer, although many first-year birds still have scattered bits of down into autumn. By late autumn, first-year birds look similar to adults but with a slightly warmer, reddish tinge, less well developed ear tufts and a smaller white throat patch. The nestling owls develop mostly in behavior between two weeks and two months of age, in which time they adapt the ability to defend themselves, grasp foods and climb. Vocally, the young are able to exert weak chips while still in the egg, developing into a raspy chirp shortly after hatching. The calls of the young increase rapidly in intensity, pitch and character, some juvenile males mimicking their father's hooting in fall but usually they conclude with various odd gurgling notes. The earliest competent hooting by juvenile owls is not until January.  Young owls move onto nearby branches at 6 weeks and start to fly about a week later. However, the young are not usually competent fliers until they are about 10 to 12 weeks old.  The age at which the young leave the nest is variable based on the abundance of food.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_horned_owl

Great Horned Owls

Oliver County, North Dakota

April 26, 2020

Great Horned Owls

Oliver County, North Dakota

April 26, 2020

Great Horned Owls

Oliver County, North Dakota

April 26, 2020

Great Horned Owls

Oliver County, North Dakota

April 26, 2020

Great Horned Owls

Oliver County, North Dakota

April 26, 2020

Great Horned Owls

Oliver County, North Dakota

Photo of the Day- April 26, 2020

Great Horned Owls

Oliver County, North Dakota

April 26, 2020

Great Horned Owls

Oliver County, North Dakota

April 26, 2020

Great Horned Owls

Oliver County, North Dakota

April 26, 2020

Great Horned Owls

Oliver County, North Dakota

April 26, 2020

Great Horned Owls

Oliver County, North Dakota

April 26, 2020

Great Horned Owls

Oliver County, North Dakota

April 26, 2020

Great Horned Owls

Oliver County, North Dakota

April 26, 2020

Cooper's Hawk

Cooper's Hawk

Burleigh County, North Dakota

June 4, 2020

Cooper's Hawk

Burleigh County, North Dakota

June 4, 2020

Cooper's Hawk

Burleigh County, North Dakota

June 4, 2020

Cooper's Hawk

Burleigh County, North Dakota

June 4, 2020

Cooper's Hawk

Burleigh County, North Dakota

June 4, 2020

Merlin

Merlin

Theodore Roosevelt National Park, North Dakota

July 25, 2020

Merlin

Fairview Cemetery, Burleigh County, North Dakota

Photo of the Day- September 10, 2020

Merlin

Fairview Cemetery, Burleigh County, North Dakota

September 10, 2020

Turkey Vulture

Turkey Vulture

McKenzie Slough, Burleigh County, North Dakota

September 12, 2020

Rough-legged Hawk

Rough-legged Hawk

Long Lake National Wildlife Refuge, North Dakota

November 6, 2020

Rough-legged Hawk

Long Lake National Wildlife Refuge, North Dakota

November 6, 2020

Rough-legged Hawk

Long Lake National Wildlife Refuge, North Dakota

November 6, 2020

2021 Photographs

American Bald Eagles

Going Fishing!

American Bald Eagle

   Missouri River, McLean County, North Dakota

Photo of the Day- January 5, 2021

Going Fishing!

American Bald Eagle

   Missouri River, McLean County, North Dakota

Photo of the Day- January 5, 2021

American Bald Eagle

   Missouri River, McLean County, North Dakota

Photo of the Day- January 6, 2021

Our American symbol almost went extinct in the 1950s, down to only 412 nesting pairs in the 48 contiguous states due to pollution, pesticides and illegal shooting. DDT thinned their egg shells most pairs became sterile. The eagles are now back and doing very well!

American Bald Eagle

   Missouri River, McLean County, North Dakota

January 6, 2021

American Bald Eagle

   Missouri River, McLean County, North Dakota

January 6, 2021

American Bald Eagle

   Missouri River, McLean County, North Dakota

January 6, 2021

American Bald Eagle

   Missouri River, McLean County, North Dakota

January 6, 2021

American Bald Eagle

   Missouri River, McLean County, North Dakota

January 6, 2021

American Bald Eagle

   Missouri River, McLean County, North Dakota

January 6, 2021

American Bald Eagle

   Missouri River, McLean County, North Dakota

January 6, 2021

American Bald Eagle

   Missouri River, McLean County, North Dakota

January 6, 2021

American Bald Eagles

   Missouri River, McLean County, North Dakota

January 6, 2021

American Bald Eagle

   Missouri River, McLean County, North Dakota

January 6, 2021

American Bald Eagle

   Missouri River, McLean County, North Dakota

January 11, 2021

Together!

American Bald Eagles

   Missouri River, McLean County, North Dakota

January 11, 2021

American Bald Eagles become mature at 5 years of age. Depending on their luck, they may remain as a couple for the next 20 years. Females are usually a third larger than males which helps them when protecting their nests. Sleek males are good hunters.

Fish in Sight!

Bald Eagle

   Missouri River, McLean County, North Dakota

January 16, 2021

Got It!

Bald Eagle

   Missouri River, McLean County, North Dakota

January 16, 2021

Lunch!

Bald Eagle

   Missouri River, McLean County, North Dakota

January 16, 2021

Bald Eagle

   Missouri River, McLean County, North Dakota

January 16, 2021

Landing on Ice!

Bald Eagles

   Missouri River, McLean County, North Dakota

January 16, 2021

Nailed It!

Bald Eagles

   Missouri River, McLean County, North Dakota

January 16, 2021

Play Date!

Bald Eagles

   Missouri River, McLean County, North Dakota

January 16, 2021

Having Fun!

Bald Eagles

   Missouri River, McLean County, North Dakota

Photo of the Day- January 16, 2021

Young Eagle!

American Bald Eagle

   Missouri River, McLean County, North Dakota

Photo of the Day- January 23, 2021

Majestic!

American Bald Eagle

  Long Lake National Wildlife Refuge, North Dakota

March 12, 2021

Young Eagle!

American Bald Eagle

   Burleigh County, North Dakota

March 12, 2021

Impressive!

American Bald Eagle

   Burleigh County, North Dakota

March 12, 2021

A Beautiful Raptor and a Beautiful Day in North Dakota!

American Bald Eagle

   Burleigh County, North Dakota

March 12, 2021

Close Up!

American Bald Eagle

   Burleigh County, North Dakota

March 13, 2021

American Bald Eagle

McKenzie Slough, Bureigh County, North Dakota

March 20, 2021

American Bald Eagle

McKenzie Slough, Bureigh County, North Dakota

March 20, 2021

American Bald Eagle

McKenzie Slough, Bureigh County, North Dakota

Photo of the Day- March 20, 2021

American Bald Eagle

Long Lake National Wildlife Refuge, North Dakota

March 20, 2021

American Bald Eagle

Long Lake National Wildlife Refuge, North Dakota

March 22, 2021

American Bald Eagles

Long Lake National Wildlife Refuge, North Dakota

March 22, 2021

American Bald Eagles

Long Lake National Wildlife Refuge, North Dakota

March 22, 2021

American Bald Eagles

Long Lake National Wildlife Refuge, North Dakota

March 22, 2021

American Bald Eagle

Long Lake National Wildlife Refuge, North Dakota

March 25, 2021

American Bald Eagle

Long Lake National Wildlife Refuge, North Dakota

March 25, 2021

American Bald Eagle

Long Lake National Wildlife Refuge, North Dakota

March 25, 2021

American Bald Eagle

Long Lake National Wildlife Refuge, North Dakota

March 25, 2021

American Bald Eagle

Long Lake National Wildlife Refuge, North Dakota

March 25, 2021

American Bald Eagle

Long Lake National Wildlife Refuge, North Dakota

March 25, 2021

American Bald Eagle

Long Lake National Wildlife Refuge, North Dakota

March 25, 2021

American Bald Eagle

Long Lake National Wildlife Refuge, North Dakota

March 25, 2020

American Bald Eagle

Long Lake National Wildlife Refuge, North Dakota

March 25, 2021

American Bald Eagle

McKenzie Slough, Burleigh County, North Dakota

March 28, 2021

American Bald Eagle

McKenzie Slough, Burleigh County, North Dakota

March 28, 2021

American Bald Eagle

Long Lake National Wildlife Refuge, North Dakota

Photo of the Day- March 28, 2021

American Bald Eagle

Long Lake National Wildlife Refuge, North Dakota

March 28, 2021

Angles!

American Bald Eagle

Long Lake National Wildlife Refuge, North Dakota

March 28, 2021

Rough-legged Hawks

Visiting from Canada!

Rough-legged Hawk

   Burleigh County, North Dakota

January 23, 2021

Red-tailed Hawk

Red-tailed Hawk

   Prairie County, Montana

January 28, 2021

Red-tailed Hawk (Dark Morph)

Little Missouri National Grasslands, North Dakota

March 19, 2021

Red-tailed Hawk (Dark Morph)

Little Missouri National Grasslands, North Dakota

March 19, 2021

Red-tailed Hawk

McKenzie Slough, Burleigh County, North Dakota

April 3, 2021

Red-tailed Hawk

Emmons County, North Dakota

April 13, 2021

Golden Eagles

Pearch on Railroad Grade!

Golden Eagle

Treasurer County, Montana

February 4, 2021

Pearch on Railroad Grade!

Golden Eagle

Treasurer County, Montana

February 4, 2021

Soaring!

Golden Eagle

Treasurer County, Montana

February 4, 2021

Majestic!

Golden Eagle

Treasurer County, Montana

February 4, 2021

Gliding!

Golden Eagle

Theodore Roosevelt National Park, North Dakota

March 6, 2021

Wing Angle Up to Slow Down!

Golden Eagle

Theodore Roosevelt National Park, North Dakota

March 6, 2021

Slowing Down!

Golden Eagle

Theodore Roosevelt National Park, North Dakota

March 6, 2021

Landed!

Golden Eagle

Theodore Roosevelt National Park, North Dakota

March 6, 2021

Nesting Material!

Golden Eagle

Theodore Roosevelt National Park, North Dakota

March 6, 2021

Soaring!

Golden Eagle

Theodore Roosevelt National Park, North Dakota

March 6, 2021

Shadow!

Golden Eagle

Theodore Roosevelt National Park, North Dakota

March 18, 2021

Wingspan 7.5 feet!

Golden Eagle

Theodore Roosevelt National Park, North Dakota

March 18, 2021

Talons!

Golden Eagle

Theodore Roosevelt National Park, North Dakota

March 18, 2021

Spreadeagle!

Golden Eagle

Theodore Roosevelt National Park, North Dakota

March 18, 2021

Using Beak to Grab Branch!

Golden Eagle

Theodore Roosevelt National Park, North Dakota

March 18, 2021

Nesting Material!

Golden Eagle

Theodore Roosevelt National Park, North Dakota

March 18, 2021

Nesting Material!

Golden Eagle

Theodore Roosevelt National Park, North Dakota

Photo of the Day- March 18, 2021

Soaring!

Golden Eagle

Theodore Roosevelt National Park, North Dakota

May 4, 2021

On the Nest!

Golden Eagle

Theodore Roosevelt National Park, North Dakota

May 4, 2021

Baby!

Golden Eagles

Theodore Roosevelt National Park, North Dakota

May 14, 2021

Northern Harrier 

Northern Harrier

Long Lake National Wildlife Refuge, North Dakota

March 20, 2021

Northern Harrier

Theodore Roosevelt National Park, North Dakota

April 28, 2021

Northern Harrier

McKenzie Slough, Burleigh County, North Dakota

May 3, 2021

Northern Harrier

McKenzie Slough, Burleigh County, North Dakota

May 3, 2021

Northern Harrier

McKenzie Slough, Burleigh County, North Dakota

May 3, 2021

Northern Harrier

McKenzie Slough, Burleigh County, North Dakota

May 3, 2021

Northern Harrier

McKenzie Slough, Burleigh County, North Dakota

May 3, 2021

Northern Harrier

McKenzie Slough, Burleigh County, North Dakota

May 3, 2021

Northern Harrier

McKenzie Slough, Burleigh County, North Dakota

May 3, 2021

Northern Harrier

McKenzie Slough, Burleigh County, North Dakota

May 3, 2021

Northern Harrier

McKenzie Slough, Burleigh County, North Dakota

May 3, 2021

Northern Harrier

McKenzie Slough, Burleigh County, North Dakota

May 3, 2021

Northern Harrier

McKenzie Slough, Burleigh County, North Dakota

May 3, 2021

Northern Harrier

McKenzie Slough, Burleigh County, North Dakota

May 3, 2021

Northern Harrier

McKenzie Slough, Burleigh County, North Dakota

May 3, 2021

Northern Harrier

McKenzie Slough, Burleigh County, North Dakota

May 3, 2021

Northern Harrier

McKenzie Slough, Burleigh County, North Dakota

May 3, 2021

Northern Harrier

McKenzie Slough, Burleigh County, North Dakota

May 3, 2021

Northern Harrier

McKenzie Slough, Burleigh County, North Dakota

May 3, 2021

Northern Harrier

McKenzie Slough, Burleigh County, North Dakota

May 3, 2021

Northern Harrier

McKenzie Slough, Burleigh County, North Dakota

May 3, 2021

Northern Harriers

McKenzie Slough, Burleigh County, North Dakota

May 3, 2021

Northern Harriers

McKenzie Slough, Burleigh County, North Dakota

May 3, 2021

Northern Harrier

Theodore Roosevelt National Park, North Dakota

May 5, 2021

Northern Harrier

Theodore Roosevelt National Park, North Dakota

May 5, 2021

American Kestrels

American Kestrels

Burleigh County, just west of Moffit, North Dakota

April 24, 2021

American Kestrels

Theodore Roosevelt National Park, North Dakota

May 4, 2021

American Kestrels

Theodore Roosevelt National Park, North Dakota

May 4, 2021

American Kestrels

Theodore Roosevelt National Park, North Dakota

May 4, 2021

Loggerhead Shrikes

Loggerhead Shrike

Theodore Roosevelt National Park, North Dakota

April 28, 2021

Loggerhead Shrike

Theodore Roosevelt National Park, North Dakota

April 28, 2021

Loggerhead Shrike

Theodore Roosevelt National Park, North Dakota

April 28, 2021

Loggerhead Shrike

Theodore Roosevelt National Park, North Dakota

Photo of the Day- April 28, 2021

Rare Flight Photo!

Loggerhead Shrike

Theodore Roosevelt National Park, North Dakota

May 5, 2021

Breakfast Bug with Grass!

Loggerhead Shrike

Theodore Roosevelt National Park, North Dakota

May 5, 2021

Breakfast Bug with Grass!

Loggerhead Shrike

Theodore Roosevelt National Park, North Dakota

May 5, 2021

Breakfast Bug with Grass!

Loggerhead Shrike

Theodore Roosevelt National Park, North Dakota

May 5, 2021

Breakfast Bug with Grass!

Loggerhead Shrike

Theodore Roosevelt National Park, North Dakota

May 5, 2021

Pink Tongue!

Loggerhead Shrike

Theodore Roosevelt National Park, North Dakota

May 5, 2021

Loggerhead Shrike

Theodore Roosevelt National Park, North Dakota

May 14, 2021

She is Waiting!

Loggerhead Shrike

Theodore Roosevelt National Park, North Dakota

May 5, 2021

She is Hungry!

Loggerhead Shrikes

Theodore Roosevelt National Park, North Dakota

May 15, 2021

He has a Breakfast Bug!

Loggerhead Shrikes

Theodore Roosevelt National Park, North Dakota

May 15, 2021

Sharing Transfer!

Loggerhead Shrikes

Theodore Roosevelt National Park, North Dakota

May 15, 2021

She Has It!

Loggerhead Shrikes

Theodore Roosevelt National Park, North Dakota

May 15, 2021

Breakfast!

Loggerhead Shrike

Theodore Roosevelt National Park, North Dakota

May 15, 2021

She Sees Something!

Loggerhead Shrike

Theodore Roosevelt National Park, North Dakota

May 15, 2021

Tearing Bark!

Loggerhead Shrike

Theodore Roosevelt National Park, North Dakota

May 15, 2021

Nesting Material!

Loggerhead Shrike

Theodore Roosevelt National Park, North Dakota

May 15, 2021

Bison Fur for the Nest!

Loggerhead Shrike

Theodore Roosevelt National Park, North Dakota

May 15, 2021

Loggerhead Shrike

Theodore Roosevelt National Park, North Dakota

May 19, 2021

Swainson's Hawks

Arrived from Argentina!

Swainson's Hawk

 Burleigh County, North Dakota

Photo of the Day- May 7, 2021

Fledged Baby!

Swainson's Hawk

 Burleigh County, North Dakota

August 8, 2021

Fledged Baby!

Swainson's Hawk

 Burleigh County, North Dakota

August 8, 2021

Mom with Food!

Swainson's Hawk

 Burleigh County, North Dakota

August 8, 2021

Mom with Food!

Swainson's Hawk

 Burleigh County, North Dakota

August 8, 2021

Fledged Baby!

Swainson's Hawk

 Burleigh County, North Dakota

August 10, 2021

Prairie Falcon

Prairie Falcon

McKenzie Slough, Burleigh County, North Dakota

August 12, 2021

Prairie Falcon

McKenzie Slough, Burleigh County, North Dakota

August 12, 2021

Prairie Falcon

McKenzie Slough, Burleigh County, North Dakota

August 12, 2021

Osprey

Not often seen in North Dakota!

Osprey

Burleigh County, North Dakota

Photo of the Day- October 17, 2021

Got One!

Osprey

Burleigh County, North Dakota

Photo of the Day- October 23, 2021

The osprey fortunately flew towards me after catching the fish 1/2 miles away!

Osprey

Burleigh County, North Dakota

October 23, 2021

Close Encounter!

Osprey

Burleigh County, North Dakota

October 23, 2021