Second Year Northern Shrike
That being said, we have managed to catch 6 Snowy Owls(caught another today), about 6 Red-tails, 3 Kestrels, 3 Shrikes, 1 Coopers Hawk and 2 extremely unexpected Birds.
The first was a SY Red-shouldered Hawk . This is odd as they don't normally overwinter here in Simcoe County, especially as a Juvie. Second Year Red-shouldered Hawk
The second was a SY Bald Eagle! Wow.........................didn't see that one coming!
Nigel caught the Eagle on a Bal-Chatri with a Hamster for Bait! He initially thought it was a Red-tail because the light was behind it, Boy was he surprised when this thing came Barrelling for the Hamster!In 30+ years of Banding this was Nigels first Eagle Species(Congrats)!
This also marked the first of both species for the Simcoe County Banding Group as a whole!
After Second Year Male Snowy Owl
Another ASY Snowy
After Second Year Male American Kestrel
My first Snowy Owl! An ASY Male
So I guess it hasn't been a total Bust! Actually it is a better season Raptor wise than last Winter, so lets hope that is a sign of things to come!
Nigel has left for a Banding Expedition in South Africa! He will be banding Raptors along the Kahlahari Trail(Lucky Bastard) ! He was selected by the AFC(Artist for Conservation) to recieve a Grant for this Trip. He will be doing Field Sketches and keeping notes ,aswell as taking alot of Photos. This is for when he returns he will have to do a series of Paintings and Tour with them , talking about How the importance of Bird Migration and Conservation is ! Congratulations on such an Honour Nigel!
