Photo by BarrytheBirder

Swainson's Hawk

A number of Swainson's Hawks are currently flying around Delmanor Retirement Residence  in Aurora, Ontario, 35 kms. north of Lake Ontario.   This is the third year in a row this species has been hereabouts.   They are normally found much further west in the central United States, particularly in Kansas.   They have been breeding here and are becoming a regular sighting by local birders.

They are similar in size to the Red-tailed Hawk, and are slim with a small head and long narrow wings.   When soaring, its wings are held above the horizontal, and wingtips are long and pointed.   Tips of feathers can be widespread in flight (note photo above).

They feed mostly on large insects like crickets and grasshoppers.

Please comment if you wish.

BarrytheBirder