A couple of weeks ago I had to go to Las Vegas, New Mexico, for work. I decided to take a little time to see what might be at the local refuge. It was a cold, windy day so I wasn’t too hopeful of much being around.
Most of the small birds were hiding from the wind. There were a few Western Meadowlarks about but definitely weren’t interested in getting their picture taken.
With the cold wind, the Canada and Cackling Geese were hiding out in a low-lying pond. You don’t usually see these two species hanging out with each other. While we have difficulty distinguishing the two species, they definitely know who’s who!
In the distance I saw several Northern Harrier’s searching for lunch.
What was out and not shy at all were Red-Tailed Hawks. They were all juveniles. Such beautiful birds! And they let me get close and take as many photos as I wanted. What could be better than that!?!
This particular hawk had already been successful getting something to eat as you can see dried blood on his feet.
While photographing that hawk, some Morning Dove came in looking all fearful of the hawk nearby.
Nothing much else at the refuge. But as I was driving down the country road back to Las Vegas, I came across one of the most beautiful bluebirds I’ve ever seen. His colors were glorious!
Then to my delight I saw a Ferruginous Hawk on a telephone pole. Such a beautiful bird!
One last bird I saw was a very large Common Raven. Fortunately the lighting was nice and I was able to get a nice photo of this all black bird.
As I was driving home I decided to stop in a Storrie Lake to see what might be about. There really weren’t any birds around. Most of them were out in the middle of the lake where I just couldn’t get a good visual.
Just as I was about to leave, a Rough-Legged Hawk came in and landed on a post right next to my car. How exciting! The daylight was waning, but I had enough light to get a few nice shots. These birds are rarely seen in New Mexico so I was delighted to get such an up close sighting.
All in all I had two great side trips during my busy work day!
Beautiful birds and photos! 🙏🏻❤️
Thank you so much John!
Wonderful series!
Thank you!
Everything is beautiful Kelly, considering the cold wind. The birds appeared for you and the one I love above all your birds is the Mountain Bluebird, of which you captured such a stunning view. Such clear close up raptor shots, and interesting that they are around in the cold wind, being mostly thermal soaring creatures.
Thank you Ashley! The Red-Tailed Hawks hunt from sitting on a high perch and scanning the ground below for prey. But they do love to soar as well.
What a joy to view and read this post – such glorious birds, all in one outing!!! Hard to say which photos had the greatest impact because each image is so beautiful. I love the fact that you were able to get so close to all these raptors (love the flight shots, too). And the bluebird is just an incredible sight!
Thank you so much for the kind words! It was a great birding day!
Hope you had a beautiful Christmas! Those hawk pictures are so good!
Thank you Kathy! We had a great Christmas holiday. Happy New Year! May you have many safe travels in 2019!
Fabulous work. Happy Holidays.
Thank you so much Sherry! Happy New Year!
LOVE you beautiful portraits, Kelly! Happy New Year!
Thank you so much Tiny! Happy New Year to you as well!
Awesome captures, Kelly!
Thank you Donna!
This blue of the mountain bird is outstanding! Lovely pictures!
Thank you! It was a fun day!