American Kestrel in January

 

The last time I photographed American Kestrels it was two years ago, and I have not seen another Kestrel since.  It got me thinking, what is going on? Maybe all these wonderful birds are just hiding from me?

This morning, to my surprise, I finally saw this beautiful predator on Antelope Island.  He gave me just a few seconds to get a few shots.  For this I am very grateful to this Kestrel.

Generally, life is good.

Rough-legged Hawk on Antelope Island

 

Last March, while visiting Antelope Island, I spotted a Rough-legged Hawk perched in the tree and was glad to see it.  Soon these raptors that are wintering in Northern Utah will migrate to their breeding grounds.

I hope that before their migration I will be able to see at least one of this raptors.

Life goes on.

Loggerhead Shrike in Winter

 

This is my first close encounter with the Loggerhead Shrike.  This bird looks like a songbird, sounds like a songbird but it behaves like a hawk.  When a Shrike spots its prey, it quickly rushes down and throws its prey to the ground.

But these birds are in trouble.  Unfortunately, they are in decline.  I recently learned that Northern Utah is rapidly losing excellent habitat for this species. 

Life goes on.