Here is a truncated version of RWPs again, with photos sent by readers in the last two days. First are four photos by the reliable Stephen Barnard in Idaho:
Eastern Kingbird (Tyrannus tyrannus):
Those tiny eaglets (offspring of Desi and Lucy) that, just two weeks ago, were fluffballs, have now become huge predators! Apparently they haven’t yet flown.
Bald Eaglet exercising its wings (Haliaeetus leucocephalus)
Desert Cottontail (Sylvilagus audubonii)
Swainson’s Hawk (Buteo swainsoni):
Reader Randy Schenk found some nesting swallows:
Discovered another nest of Barn Swallows (Hirundo rustica) around the corner in another building and this one was being attended by two very noisy swallows that did not like me getting too close. The first photo is probably the male while the one at the nest, the female. Notice they build the nest up to within an inch or inch and one half of the ceiling. Makes it a little tight getting in and out but that is likely what they are after.
🎶
🐥
Who could not love the Latin name for the Eastern Kingbird? The name seems appropriate based on the descriptions about its preferred perches and how it harasses larger birds.
I thought the Eastern Kingbird was named after Him I know I’m a nerd.
My code didn’t work argh. Tyrannus is a Marvel comic book villain. “Him” was supposed to link to http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tyrannus_%28comics%29
oh well, maybe next time
Beautiful birds today…and cute wabbit.
What is the swallow’s nest made of? Looks like wads of paper.
Mostly mud.
I once dissected one and it had 8′ of fishing line woven through it, though.
I would like to say “thanks” to the many intrepid photogs, out there who share their snaps with us. Although broadly we have a lot of wildlife where I live, I invariably see it when driving. So whether cranes, pelicans, or buzzards (I once saw over a dozen nomming a carcase), I have not been in position to record their beauty.
I see so many missed shots while I’m driving that I go crazy. I need Google to come out with a thing.
The tyrant flycatchers are one of my favorite bird families, despite how annoying they can be to identify.
IIRC, Barn Swallows were recently documented to have a population that has established a population in South American that demonstrates reverse migration.