Frisky Hawks

 

Mating Red-shouldered Hawks, Golden Gate Park

As I passed North Lake I stopped to observe several red-shouldered hawks wheeling and screeching across the sky. A little farther down JFK Drive I stopped to check out a red-shouldered hawk perched high on a tree branch and crying out the familiar keer-keer-keer of the tribe. Another hawk on the wing answered the call, and before I knew it was landing on the same branch and preparing to mate with the other hawk. They couldn't have asked for a nicer day to bring on the next generation.

Soaring Red-shouldered Hawk

Immediately after dismounting, both hawks screeched in unison.

Once they quieted down, the male prepared to find a new perch. . .

. . . in the sun, a little higher in the same tree.

This was one of many Painted Lady butterflies nectaring on the Common Sea Lavender in front of the Beach Chalet.

Bathing Allen's Hummingbird, Mallard Lake

Basking Pond Turtle, Blue Heron Lake

Western Gull

I'm wondering if the Northern shovelers actually nest at Blue Heron Lake. Ditto for the ring-necked and ruddy ducks, as well as the hooded mergansers.

As I was scanning the little island I was surprised to see a black-crowned night heron preening itself. I haven't seen one in months.

Minnows in the Shallows

A great blue heron was occupying a nest on the little island. It appeared here to be "panting" (more properly called "gular fluttering") after it had been preening awhile.

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