Red tailed hawk Eastern Contra Costa County

                                                 CALIFORNIA WILDLIFE MAY 2024

  Sharing some mostly recent photographs of wildlife in spring. A time when ferruginous hawks leave the area and swainson hawks move into the area. Personally, I love both of these raptors equally and appreciate the nearly one month cross over when they share the same hunting grounds. 

   The swainson hawk populations in Eastern CC County seem to be in solid numbers based on my experiences. Developement has affected the nesting in Antioch / Brentwood areas. I believe there are less. Out near the Delta and open land including agricultural and ranching areas, they seem to be fine. That includes our Central Valley up and down Interstate 5. Interestingly, I have seen a pair of swainson hawks building a nest this season in Southern Contra Costa County, near San Ramon. Last year, I remember an article relating increased sightings in the Alameda County area.

This group includes swainson hawks looks, other raptors, and a few others thown in, information in the text of particular photographs.

A hiker note; The last two solid rain seasons have been a boom for Western black legged ticks and deer ticks. Tuck the pants in, and constantly check. Stay off of unimproved trails. Perhaps repellant also. 

   

Barn owl taken in Byron while I was looking for swains. Left him alone to get back to sleep

 
"Sometimes just too close" A swain kites through in April chasing its mate. Eastern CC County

One more look at the long tailed weasel taken about a year ago...

Annas hummingbird Oakley

                                                Recent Great horned owl out near the Delta CC County
Swainson hawk just in' April 2024 Eastern CC County



Red tail recent Eastern CC County

Red tail hawk with Prey Marsh Creek area

Older bobcat Alameda County way out Mines Road

                                  Recent darky Swainson hawk Eastern CC County
Red shouldered hawk watching for gophers, wet season brought out lots of gophers. Do not use posion pellets please use in tunnel traps, these birds catch many gophers...


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