Sunday, May 17, 2009

Broad-winged Hawk and more at P.A.N.P

I have many new photos to post, but I'll leave them for next time as I wanted to post the most up-to date sightings, which happened yesterday around Prince Albert National Park...

Myself and two friends set out to P.A.N.P where the plan was to do a big day.
Sometimes , plans don't always work out and unfortunately we had to cut the big day short into only a 'little day', but nevertheless, a wonderful time was had by all.
Just hearing the morning song kick in about 4am is one of the best birding experiences you could wish for.
We had Ruffed Grouse drumming right behind us, that felt as if the ground was moving beneath our feet.
The sky was clear and the stars were shining brightly.
Pileated Woodpeckers seemed to be everywhere, with hammering so loud that could wake the entire park up.
Choruses of frogs were all around, beavers were slapping their tails into the calm waters and there was not a breath of wind as Loons gave their eerie calls that carried right across the lake.

Here are the highlights (in no particular order) :

Barred owl - 1 ( New for the year )
Boreal Owl - 1
Broad-winged Hawk - 1 ( New for the year )
Northern Goshawk - 1 ( New for the year )
Wislon's Snipe - 2 or 3
Winter Wren - 2 or 3 ( New for the year )
Swamp Sparrow - 4 ( New for the year )
Bonaparte's Gull - 2
Bald Eagle - 1
Ovenbird - 2
Magnolia Warbler - 1( at a park in Prince Albert - New for the year )
Yellow-rumped Warbler - 5
Ruby-crowned Kinglet - 2
Barn Swallow - 4 ( New for the year )
Rose-breasted Grosbeak - 1 male
Pine Grosbeak - 1 male
Eastern Phoebe - 2
Belted Kingfisher - 1
American Three-toed Woodpecker - 1
Pileated Woodpecker - 4 or more
Gray Jay - 3
Ruffed Grouse - 3 or 4
Great Blue Heron - 2
Hermit Thrush - 2
Swainson's Thrush - 3
Boreal Chickadee - 6
Tundra Swan - 20
Snow Goose - several loose flocks
Ross's Goose - 1

Broad-winged Hawk - This is a species I don't often see, and you have to know where to find them. Luckily they do occur regularly in this park.

12 comments:

Ruth's Photo Blog said...

An exciting day,by the sounds of it.The Hawk looks great.
Blessings,Ruth

FAB said...

Impressive list for a 'little day' plus the new ticks. Can't wait to see the other photos. That Broad-winged is FAB.

Chris said...

Incredible day Nick. Congrats you saw many nice species, and I love this hawk shot, a prince on his branch.

holdingmoments said...

A very full 'litle day' Nick :)
Great shot of the Broad-winged Hawk. He's certainly got his eye on you there.

Nick S said...

Many thanks guys. It was a great little day, that I hope to re-shedule next month.

Suzanne said...

Thank you so much for the description of the sights and sounds at the park as well as the wonderful pictures. You make it come alive for me!

Shelley said...

He is a handsome boy! I'm surprised by how big and thick his head is!

Unknown said...

Fab shot Nick. You have exposed him perfectly.

The Birdlady said...

He's wonderful - my very favorite from the ones in the last post is the black poll warbler - what a shot!

Nick S said...

Many thanks everyone :-)

Anonymous said...

Love your pictures..
Many of the birds shown here I see in my garden or along the shoreline of Lake Ontario and Parks.
Do you see a decline in the bird population as well?
Best regards,
Gisela

Anonymous said...

Reminds me of other hawks that I do get to see. But never saw a broad wing hawk before today.

Gobsmacked