Quality Over Quantity

Juvenile Swainson’s Hawk. Photo by Alex Lamoreaux.

The cold fronts of the past week did not produce the big numbers of raptors we were hoping for, but they provided us with some excellent views of these majestic predators. The north winds associated with cold fronts push the birds towards the southern edge of the Keys, or from our perspective, directly overhead. This has been a very welcoming flight line after weeks of distant birds flying by on the other side of the island. We have gotten stellar views of almost every species of raptor, not to mention some pretty good pictures. Luckily, the north winds are supposed to continue to the end of the season, so we have three more days for the big numbers to show up. Even if they don’t, we will certainly continue to enjoy the amazing views!

Juvenile Broad-winged Hawk. Photo by Alex Lamoreaux.

Juvenile Cooper’s Hawk. Photo by Alex Lamoreaux.

Merlin. Photo by Alex Lamoreaux.

Peregrine Falcon. Photo by Alex Lamoreaux.

Mississippi Kite. Photo by Luis Gles.

Chimney Swift. Photo by Alex Lamoreaux.

Northern Waterthrush. Photo by Alex Lamoreaux.

Magnolia Warbler. Photo by Alex Lamoreaux.

Florida Box Turtle (L), and Black-throated Blue Warbler (R). Photos by Alex Lamoreaux.