For most of the day, the bird of the day was the stream of sharp-shinned hawks going overhead, in front of, behind and below the tower http://www.pbase.com/joseph_kennedy_36/image/146439033 Any and all views were available http://www.pbase.com/joseph_kennedy_36/image/146439032 Most kept going but a few stopped to hunt. The humminbirds sitting in the trees near the tower wer often targets but were not seen caught. This bird had eaten more than a hummingbird or several http://www.pbase.com/joseph_kennedy_36/image/146439000 Passing bird seem to poke their heads up and look around on a regular basis which help me pick out a distant bid http://www.pbase.com/joseph_kennedy_36/image/146438996 http://www.pbase.com/joseph_kennedy_36/image/146438972 And may show their sharp shins http://www.pbase.com/joseph_kennedy_36/image/146438989 Just lots of looks http://www.pbase.com/joseph_kennedy_36/image/146438965 Again, there were many mississippi kites going over but the strong westish wind kept them from kettling http://www.pbase.com/joseph_kennedy_36/image/146438003 Early morning birds are hard to photograph as they approach the tower from out of the sun to the east http://www.pbase.com/joseph_kennedy_36/image/146438000 Lots of different underwing patterns on the birds http://www.pbase.com/joseph_kennedy_36/image/146437994 http://www.pbase.com/joseph_kennedy_36/image/146437980 Some kites bring their lunch http://www.pbase.com/joseph_kennedy_36/image/146437968 And snack on the way http://www.pbase.com/joseph_kennedy_36/image/146437964 http://www.pbase.com/joseph_kennedy_36/image/146437970 Several peregrine falcons went over http://www.pbase.com/joseph_kennedy_36/image/146437841 And showed off the big feet http://www.pbase.com/joseph_kennedy_36/image/146437839 The only close in northern harrier was an early bird http://www.pbase.com/joseph_kennedy_36/image/146437770 The afternoon american kestrel burst was phenomenal http://www.pbase.com/joseph_kennedy_36/image/146437729 http://www.pbase.com/joseph_kennedy_36/image/146437727 Lots of good looks and with the wind many went out over the bay http://www.pbase.com/joseph_kennedy_36/image/146437725 http://www.pbase.com/joseph_kennedy_36/image/146437723 Only a few swainson's hawks but by a week or so they will become common http://www.pbase.com/joseph_kennedy_36/image/146437593 Broad-winged hawks were scarce http://www.pbase.com/joseph_kennedy_36/image/146437585 The 300 wood storks gave great views at the tower and out at Robbins Park where half of them formed a long line and crossed the bay. http://www.pbase.com/joseph_kennedy_36/image/146437502 http://www.pbase.com/joseph_kennedy_36/image/146437499 They flew as gaggles, skeins and vees but also soared like buteos http://www.pbase.com/joseph_kennedy_36/image/146437495 And could make good time directly into the strong wind http://www.pbase.com/joseph_kennedy_36/image/146437480 Still having white ibis go by http://www.pbase.com/joseph_kennedy_36/image/146437476 http://www.pbase.com/joseph_kennedy_36/image/146437472 The 100% ruby-throated hummingbird flock always provided a show except when the sharp-shins came too close http://www.pbase.com/joseph_kennedy_36/image/146437380 And the local loggerhead shrikes are doing well too http://www.pbase.com/joseph_kennedy_36/image/146437379 Lots more pictures from the day and season can be browsed from http://www.pbase.com/joseph_kennedy_36/2012_hawk_watch -- Joseph C. Kennedy on Buffalo Bayou in West Houston Josephkennedy36@xxxxxxxxx
