Raptors of the Pacific Northwest
An intense stare by a wild Sharp-shinned hawk
Junior does a few practice hops in a strong westerly breeze in preparation for its maiden flight. The mother is perhaps considering the problems with fishing the young osprey out of the river if it is in fact blown off the nest.
A Rough-legged hawk in the Skagit Valley
Male osprey bird approaching female on nest for mating
A male osprey making a final approach towards the back of a female bird on the nest for the purpose of mating
Osprey perched on a tree branch with talons gripping the support
Osprey perched on a tree branch with talons gripping the support as the wind blows.
Ospray bringing a very long stick to add to the nest
An ospray flys while holding a long stick in its talons to use to expand the nest
Pair of mating osprey on a large nest
A pair of mating osprey standing on a large stick nest
Red-tailed hawk flying against clear blue sky
A red-tailed hawk flying in isolation against a clear blue sky over Western Washington State in summer. The bird is viewed from below as it flies.
Look Ma at my magnificent wings
A young Osprey does a practice stretch of its wings in preparation for the approaching day of its maiden flight. The mother osprey takes avoiding action away from the beating wings
A Red Tail Hawk sweeps across the sky
Gyrfalcon in Skagit Valley in Winter
A winter visitor to the Skagit Valley and much sough after by the birding community - a Gyrfalcon
Osprey sitting on nest at the start of nesting season
An Osprey sits on a large stick nest at the start of nesting season
A Rough Legged Hawk has a high perch to watch potential meals
A male Northern Harrier known as a 'Gray Ghost' due to its coloring and also its scarcity compared to the brown females and younger harriers
Northern Harrier flies in search of voles above the Stilliguamish Valley
Northern Harrier and Short-eared Owl
Face-off in flight between a Northern Harrier and a Short-eared Owl.
Rough-legged Hawk on a windy post
A rough-legged hawk stands on a post as the wind gusts to 50mph.
A common sight in Western Washington is American Kestrels sitting on roadside transmission wires