Swainson\'s Hawk
Buteo swainsoni

f4.8 @ 1/2500s, ISO:400, Nikon D300S w 500mm


\"Swainson\'s Hawk,\" Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. The habitat of Swainson\'s hawk consists of open and semi-open country – deserts, grasslands and prairies – in both its breeding and wintering ranges. It favors wild prairie, hayfields, and pastures over wheat fields and alfalfa fields, which may offer its prey too much cover. It requires elevated perches for hunting and a supply of small mammals such as young ground squirrels as prey for its nestlings. The breeding distribution of Swainson\'s hawk is tied very closely to the distribution of various small mammals for this reason. In Saskatchewan, for example, the distribution of Richardson\'s ground squirrel and Swainson\'s hawk are precisely the same.
Calgary, Canada
 
08/03/2011