So I did. And of course, I brought the good camera in hopes of taking some good photos.
Hubs has lived here 48 years and has never seen a hawk migration like this. Surely it has happened, but no one has seen them in a flock like this. He's such a good man to call me about it. He knows how much I love all-things-nature.
Update: I have learned today that the Swainson's Hawk is also known as the "grasshopper hawk" which makes me a bit nervous. The extension agents are warning that this could be a big "grasshopper year" for us. We had hoppers last year, but not nearly as bad as some. I wonder if God is sending them to us for a reason? Do the hawks know? Here's a blip on the hawk and it's migration and etc.
That is SO awesome!!! I have never seen anything like it..I'm so glad you got the pictures..maybe you should find out something about this, very unusual I think! Thanks for sharing it. Come say hi, something special happened at my blog! :D
ReplyDeleteJody that is such an exciting thing to have seen and recorded. The clarity of your photos is fantastic. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteAnn
That is so cool! Love it !
ReplyDeleteThat is truly wonderful, but when I read the part about grasshoppers, I got chills.
ReplyDeleteLove the photo of all the hawks in the tree. You're seeing more migrating birds than I am and it's not even spring yet there! And yes, how do they know about the grasshoppers?
ReplyDeleteBeautiful photography, Jody! I am fascinated by those roosting hawks! I'm so glad you drove out to see them. One hawk flew over our house this morning.
ReplyDeleteI always learn something new from you. I had no idea hawks migrate. Very cool you got to see this. What makes grasshoppers more plentiful from one year to another?
ReplyDeleteI have never seen a hawk up close, so I am soaking in your pictures today. How wonderful! Happy Mother's Day!
ReplyDeleteHow precious of your husband to share this with you! Happy Mother's Day, friend.
ReplyDeleteHappy Mother's Day, dear friend! I feel such a kinship with you. You, who loves her brood with sweet and holy love. I pray your heart is full of comfort and happiness all day long!
ReplyDeleteThis hawk looks similar to the one that killed a small bird right outside my window a while back! But we're probably too far east for this species?
ReplyDeleteI also had not heard of hawks migrating. So cool to see all of those hawks in one place!
Happy Mother's Day, Jody!
Wow -- how cool to see that many hawks together at one time. Do you think they will be staying in the area (for future grasshoppers?) or are they just on their way to somewhere else?
ReplyDeleteWe watch several groups of Canadian Geese and their babies out of the windows at work, and last week we all watched as a hawk was pestering them. It was fascinating to watch them all cluster together as the hawk swooped over them. Fortunately, he was unsuccessful while we were watching!
Amazing! I just handed the computer to the Man and said, Look at this. We are both just awed by the picture of all those hawks in the tree. We have red-tailed hawks in our neighborhood, and they're impressive to see, but you only ever see one at a time. A flock! Now that would be something.
ReplyDeleteHappy Mother's Day, one day late!
frances
Wow, what a special treat to witness. Great photos too. A bit of history flying right over your land!!
ReplyDeleteI'm in agreement with everyone else...wow! I can't imagine seeing so many hawks at once. What a special event.
ReplyDeleteI hope that it doesn't mean grasshoppers for you, but it does make sense, doesn't it? At least you will have the help of these magnificent birds if need be.
We have a few hawks in our neighborhood every now and then, lately. Just the last two years, and we have an bald headed eagle. I usually seem him every spring, the first week of April. The crows really get in a tizzy when he starts to fly over, and they gather a big flock of friends to chase him away. Last year, my son was in the driveway when the eagle and the crows flew over, just about 10 feet over his head at one point. He said it was a very special experience to be that close to the eagle, with his wings spread above him.
Someone just posted this on Facebook about grasshoppers, and though I think you are east of where it is talking about, I wonder if similar thoughts are being expressed in your state? The chills I mentioned in my first comment were from the memory of grasshopper destruction in the Little House books.
ReplyDeleteI forgot the link !
ReplyDeletehttp://www.komonews.com/news/94597689.html