Aquila chrysaetos......raptor hunting in Hollister this weekend. Final counts were 3 Golden Eagle, 12 Red-tailed Hawks, 19 Kestrels, 2 Northern Harriers, and 2 Kites.

These exposures are too dark, but they show off the golden feathers at the neck and shoulders.

Tags:   Aquila chrysaetos John Smith Rd., Hollister, CA 11/10/12 Golden Eagle

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Phoenix has a terrific story:

mycondor.org/condorprofiles/condor477.html

Tags:   Gymnogyps californianus Big Sur 8/5/12 California Condor

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Falco columbarius

Tags:   Falco columbarius Coyote Valley 8/14/12

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Falco peregrinus.....After seeing the fabulous pics of Magnolia Warbler, Golden-crowned Kinglets, and Peregrine Falcons at Coyote Hills RP this week, we were enthusiastic to check it out yesterday. The kinglets have not been seen for a few days now so we missed them, but we did see the other two. We did not arrive until almost 10, so I didn't think we would see the falcons, but while I was kinglet hunting I noticed a grey backend on the perching tree up the hill so we quickly headed up there to find the adult falcon just finishing a late breakfast snack and then carefully sharpening his bill and cleaning his feet. (which are still a little bloody in this shot)

We did not stay the whole day, but people are getting really awesome views and shots of this bird in the evening. It is magical to be this close to a peregrine.

Tags:   Falco peregrinus CHRP 10/19/12 Peregrine Falcon

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No full talon grab spiral this time, but a lot of fun courtship flying. Those living in the Bay Area will recognize the grim white sky background of this week....

Tags:   Elanus leucurus Coyote Creek Trail 3/15/12 White-tailed Kite

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