Scruffy sub-adult Swainson's HawkA scruffy sub-adult Swainson’s Hawk – Nikon D300, f6.3, 1/2000, ISO 640, Nikkor 200-400mm VR with 1.4x TC at 357mm, natural light, not baited

A friend of mine said “MORE RAPTORS!” when I posted a male Red-winged Blackbird two days ago… so here is a raptor! One very scruffy looking sub-adult Swainson’s Hawk coming right up!

Seriously, I wish I understood more about molting with many of the raptors including Swainson’s Hawk and perhaps if I ever find some free time I will attempt to study molt patterns more closely.

Yep, this Swainson’s Hawk is scruffy and ragged. It also looks shabby, frayed, tattered, and worn out and it still looks handsome to me.

Life is good.

Mia

Click here to see more of my Swainson’s Hawk photos plus facts and information about this species.