Celebration of Flight

While not getting out birding as often as I want lately, Bud and I did set aside time to attend the Bazemore Hawkwatch Celebration of Flight a couple of weekends ago. The park's drive around the ponds and along the river is cordoned off from vehicle traffic and only pedestrian traffic allowed during the event. Before the live raptor show, the two of us walked around a bit and saw the usual feathered residents...stilts, mockingbirds, sparrows [Bud and others saw three olive sparrows, but I with the camera, couldn't find 'em.], doves, kingbirds, ibis [both white faced and white], mottled ducks, spoonbills, egrets, hummingbirds, cardinals, and while up on the hawkwatch platform a 'kettle' of anhingas flew over in the thermal airwaves. When the live show began, I was armed with the lens activated...and enjoyed the talents and intelligence of several trained birds. I have dozens of images to show from this exhibit, so the size will be much smaller for loading time. They CAN be enlarged by clicking on any for a slideshow:

Firstly, a couple that can be seen in our area, but rather scarce to nil. The Harris Hawk would be considered  'rare' along our coastal bay area, as they are mostly farther inland and along the Rio Grande and up north.

HARRIS HAWK
photos taken: Bazemore Hawkwatch 2015 - Calallen, Texas
habitat map: Harris Hawk

Next to show us, a Barn Owl! If you're out, and lucky, in the pre-dawn or at dusk, driving along the wooded or ranch lands of our area near Chapman Ranch [on the outskirts of Corpus Christi and have been reported spotted in the vicinity many times], you may see one!! They're dazzling!!

BARN OWL
photos taken: Bazemore Hawkwatch 2015 - Calallen, Texas
habitat map: Barn Owl

The next two in the show are 1]from Europe and 2]from Australia. The trainers didn't explain how they came about having them, but still...very beautiful, and oh so interesting to see in our part of the world!!

A European Kestrel -eventually displaying their habit of 'mantling' which after catching prey, they open their wings to hide their food from other predators:

[above the kestrel is mantling]

EUROPEAN KESTREL [common kestrel - I believe this is Female]
photos taken: Bazemore Hawkwatch 2015 - Calallen, Texas
habitat map: Kestrel

...and lastly, the Australian Kookaburra [more specifically the Laughing Kookabura]

The name "laughing kookaburra" refers to the bird's "laugh", which it uses to establish territory amongst family groups. It can be heard at any time of day, but most frequently shortly after dawn and after sunset to dusk. One bird starts with a low, hiccuping chuckle, then throws its head back in raucous laughter.

LAUGHING KOOKABURRA
photos taken: Bazemore Hawkwatch 2015 - Calallen, Texas
habitat map: Kookaburra

A marvelous, entertaining and educational exhibit!! We were once interrupted by a side show above us with a couple of ospreys trying to 'steal' the limelight. Didn't work.

Now share your birding experiences:









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