Birds of Prey
I am always on the lookout for interesting wildlife sightings on my outings and spotting birds of prey at work is high on my enjoyment list. Once I began looking for them, it was surprising how often they appeared.
Whether they circled in the sky, stationed themselves in fields, or just sat in perches scanning the countryside, they appeared to be all business and intently focused on their next meal. There are so many birds of prey that it is almost impossible to include all of them in one brief article. I suspect that if you are an active bird watcher, I will leave out many a favorite, but I feel that I need to make the effort to at least point out some our more common birds of prey that have provided me with enjoyment.
According to Webster, birds of prey are defined as birds that feed on vertebrates. The largest bird of prey on the west coast is the endangered California Condor which normally feeds on carrion. Eagles are the largest raptors that normally kill their own food; the smallest is the relatively common kestrel. The fastest is the falcon sometimes reaching speeds of 200-250 MPH. There are 17 types of hawks in North America, 225 species of owl worldwide, 8 species of falcon and two vultures. Characteristics common among raptor birds are great vision, beaks capable of tearing flesh and talons that allow them to grip and kill prey. Owls have enhanced night vision to go with an acute sense of hearing. Turkey vultures use smell as well as vision to locate carrion.
Eagles involuntarily turn my head when they appear. Bald eagles are the easiest to identify with their white head and tail feathers, but trips to eastern Washington often reveal sightings of golden eagles too. Most of my eagle sightings seem to be in areas that have salmon nearby at least part of the year. Yakima Canyon, Skagit river and Frasier river all have decent concentrations of eagles but when we have headed north to Vancouver Island near Port Hardy, we will sometimes see them clustered in groups of a hundred birds and more where they have located a good food supply. Eagles compete with Osprey as both birds have a passion for salmon. It is a thrill to see an eagle steal a catch from the smaller osprey.
Vultures interest me when I see them circle overhead. Invariably I wonder if they have spotted some injured or weak animal, or if they are waiting for another predator species finish feeding before they move in for cleanup duty. Most often I have seen them near Cle Elum, often near Exit 80, where the State Patrol would dispose of road killed animals. Turkey vultures are quite common there, either at the disposal site, or a site where they have found road kill of their own.
Western Washington is known for is high density of wintering falcons much to the dismay of our pigeon and starling populations. News stations have captured them nesting on tall buildings and an ongoing web cam captures them at one site on 3rd Ave in Seattle. Watching them dive from high above to snatch a pigeon from the air has been known to convert bystanders into active bird enthusiasts.
Owls are more difficult to see as quite often they are nocturnal in their feeding. In all 19 varieties are common to north America. Most common for us are barn owls, barred (hoot) owls, and great horned owl. We have been fortunate to have a hoot owl in our back yard to keep down the mouse and vole populations even though it has the occasional habit of tasting one of our goldfish for dessert.
For those interested in a more in depth look at raptors, put a note on your bucket list to visit “World Center for Birds of Prey at 5668 West Flying Hawk Lane, Boise Idaho. They have a detailed web page, can be reached at their visitor center 208-362-8687, and offer tours as well as a top-rated onsite display.
