This morning started off great. Rose early and headed for a park that was open & had Burrowing Owls. I pulled and parked near a cordoned off area. Almost immediately I saw an Owl -- of course it was too dark for a photo and I wanted a photo. After 30 minutes of waiting I spotted two Owls standing in another area. Still somewhat dark, but I got some photos.
Burrowing Owls
Then I saw the Egyptian Geese -- I don't think this is a countable bird (American Birding Association rules) but it was on my list to try to see. They are pretty funny looking!
Egyptian Goose
Not a new bird -- saw one yesterday, but got a good photo today.
White Winged Dove
Also saw a Monk Parakeet that looks like a Nanday Parakeet except it has a light gray head & breast and the Nanday had a black head and a blue breast top. I saw 3 Nandays flying over the road on the way to dinner last night. Alas neither one was photographable -- the Monk was buried in a tree.
The three places I went to see Parakeets were unsuccessful -- it was windy and I don't know if that made it harder or not. In retrospect, I probably should have hired a guide to help, since I know nothing about finding Parakeets. Maybe next time.
I was treated to a bird moment when I happened upon a Red-shouldered Hawk perched on a light pole. It was being harassed by an American Kestrel, which were the bird of the day.
American Kestrel
The Kestrel is about 1/3 the size of a Red-shouldered Hawk -- but he was undeterred. Here is how it unfolded:
Red-shouldered Hawk minding its own business...
The American Kestrel at full speed in attack mode...
Red-shouldered Hawk on alert...
Ready for the next salvo
Just STOP!
The winner at rest.
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