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Swainson's hawk

Buteo swainsoni

Photo by Maria dB
Published on Project Noah
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35.7864, -76.3971

Field Notes

Description:

It is also known as the grasshopper or locust hawk, as it is very fond of these insects for a meal.

Habitat:

Field near Cypress Point, Lake Phelps

Notes:

The hawk was flying together with a bald eagle (larger bird) far above us

Reference Links:

Swainson's Hawk

Species ID Suggestions

Comments (4)
Maria dB
Yes, that's the area of NC it was. I do know that my Audubon mates were very excited to see it (and they ID'd it for me!).
ChristyHolland
Definitely looks like a Swainy to me...also (time on my hands!) looked up North Carolina and there was one seen in Washington County around then! Are you close to that?? Chock it up to climate change maybe!! http://blog.aba.org/2014/01/rare-bird-alert-january-23-2014.html
Maria dB
To be honest, I'm not sure, Christy. This was in January and it was the first time I had seen this species of hawk. I wish they had been flying more slowly so my shots would have been better (it was rainy, gloomy, windy and wet). :>)
ChristyHolland
Do you have them year-round?? They should be in Argentina right now! We should be getting these guys back in the next couple weeks!! I can't wait!! Nice series, Maria!

Spotted for Missions

Mission
Birds of the Southeast U.S.
Mission
Global Flight
Mission
Raptors of North America
Mission
Animals of North Carolina
Mission
National Geographic's Great Nature Project

Tags

Photographed
PublishedMarch 27, 2014

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