Nothing serious this morning – just a couple of interesting and slightly amusing observations.
On our trip to Montana’s Centennial Valley last month we found this Swainson’s Hawk who was apparently enduring a bit of discomfort caused by a feather on its right shoulder that was amiss. At first I didn’t even notice the feather but the bird’s body language seemed slightly off and I suspect it was due to the feather. In order to deal with it the hawk…
shook vigorously (rousing)…
and the offending feather drifted away (here you can see it just above the right wing primaries). Its eyes are already following the feather as it floats away.
The hawk continued to watch the feather as the breeze lifted it up and away. Even as the feather floated out of frame in the images that followed it was obvious that the bird was still watching it.
It’s a little thing I know but I’m always amazed by the combination of visual acuity and quick reflexes of raptors in situations like this. The speed at which the hawk locked on to the feather was impressive – especially after such a vigorous rouse.
I don’t know if the bird was actually “befuddled” by the feather but…
this Horned Lark certainly was.
It had been preening and when it pulled its beak out of its plumage this feather came with it. The bird just sat there for a moment as if it couldn’t figure out what was going on and then it shook its head to dislodge the offending but of fluffy keratin.
I actually missed the shots of the feather flying off because I was laughing.
Ron
I keep looking at these photos and am reminded of my fascination with bird feathers.
So varied I am still learning all of them after years of working with wild birds.
Sometimes I am as frustrated with them as the Swainsons seems to be.
Thanks for truly “seeing”
Bad feather days!
I think shots such as these are among my favorites. In my case, I must admit they are usually quite accidental. In your case, I strongly suspect you tell the birds what to do and they respond accordingly.
Thanks very much to all who have commented on this post today! I haven’t been able to respond to your wonderful comments because I’ve spent most of the day on Antelope Island at the Frary Homestead Interpretive Trail Grand Opening festivities. I had a blast learning about the incredibly interesting history of the homesteading Frary family and visiting with folks who really knew their stuff (I’m a western history buff and a dedicated fan of the island). More here (including a bunch of photos) in this FB link if you’re interested (and if the link works). Justina Bernstein, the “master of ceremonies” is a dear friend from my days at Farmington Bay and she asked Mia and I to document the event with photographs. Some of the photos are mine (and of us).
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151625289367127&set=a.10151625289232127.1073741888.606362126&type=1&theater
How unkind of you to laugh at a ‘bad feather day’. Says the woman chuckling in her chair. Thanks Ron, an excellent start to my day.
I LOVE that your hearty enjoyment was the cause of a missed photograph.
Super cool. Love detailed observations of animal behavior (& day to day struggles) like this. =)
Your shots are simply amazing! I’ve seen feathers amiss but never seen these behavioral traits before. Thanks so much for sharing them!
Charlotte
Too cute! Lovely shots! Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for these. I have a deeper appreciation for a hawk’s “never a feather out of place” personal appearance. Pride gets a bad rap. It has its place.
Of course you were laughing at the poor lark! That’s a really fun photo. The Swainson’s Hawk series is amazing to me. I would never have thought that a bird would be so aware of and concerned about such a little feather. But from looking at the first photo it’s pretty clear that it was either uncomfortable or it offended his sense of dignity. I really like this post because it gives insight into the birds on a level we usually don’t think to pay attention to.
Wonderful moments you captured, Ron! It’s always a pleasure to visit your blog… These are lighthearted, indeed!
So funny!! Asalways such great pictures. The clarity of your photos is amazing. I wish I could get my photos that clear and in focus. I always think I have everything in focus. NOT!! Thanks again Ron
Thank you, Lois, Kelly and Patty. Patty – the “god of photographers” alternately loves me and despises me…
How to start the day with a laugh! Love these shots…especially the hawk watching the feather float away and the horned lark looking about as cross eyed as a bird can get. Both are as funny to me as a dog watching a bug crawl around. What are the chances of anyone getting shots like these!!! The god of photographers loves you….
Bravo! What a wonderfully funny series of (beautiful) photos.
oh how cute!!! loved these, Ron!!