Juvenile Swainson’s Hawk expelling a pellet

Juvenile Swainson’s Hawk in flight

Last summer I was able to see and photograph a juvenile Swainson’s Hawk expelling a pellet in Beaverhead County, Montana. The young hawk, it’s sibling and one of the adults were in the area when this hawk flew onto a fence post close to the road.

Juvenile Swainson’s Hawk

One of the things I noticed first was how the back of the neck of the immature Swainson’s Hawk seemed enlarged, that is a pretty big bump.

Juvenile Swainson’s Hawk attempting to expel a pellet

Then the juvenile hawk bent over and repeatedly opened its bill, it was fairly obvious that the hawk was struggling. The lump seemed to move slightly forward with each attempt.

Juvenile Swainson’s Hawk expelling a pellet

After several minutes the hawk expelled two rather large pellets, this frame shows the first pellet as it exits the hawk’s bill.

Wing lift after expelling pellet

When the pellet expulsion was completed the juvenile Swainson’s lifted its wings, shook itself and flew off.

Pellet that the juvie Swainson’s Hawk expelled

This is one of the pellets the hawk expelled, it consists of bones, fur and other undigested materials. Some folks might think this is gross, I see it as being as natural as this juvenile Swainson’s Hawk taking flight.

Life is good.

Mia

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

24 Comments

Bryce Robinson March 11, 2013 at 11:51 am

I love this series Mia! Haven’t had time to check in lately, but I love what you’ve posted lately. I kind of like catching up and getting to see so many wonderful images and your great narrative. Can’t wait to read more!
- Mia McPherson March 22, 2013 at 4:21 pm
  
  Thank you Bryce! I’m loving following your journeys in AZ right now myself.
Sherry in MT March 11, 2013 at 7:40 am

Gross but honest. I love that you caught that – no worse than my poop shots – haha! Lovely bird!!
- Mia McPherson March 22, 2013 at 4:20 pm
  
  Sherry, I have tons of poop shots! Nature is fascinating to me even when it is gross.
Ingrid March 10, 2013 at 7:16 pm

Mia, one of our tasks as volunteers at the hospital was to pick up pellets from the raptor aviaries, for examination. So, I didn’t think I’d ever be grossed out by a pellet. But, this winter, I found some Snowy Owl pellets I collected for analysis … rain-soaked. I opted to turn that particular photo into a b&w image (documentation). Too much for me. 😉
- Mia McPherson March 22, 2013 at 4:20 pm
  
  Ingrid, having looked at pellets up close, I understand why you turned the Snowy Owl pellet image black & white! 🙂
Kelly March 10, 2013 at 5:56 pm

Fascinating, Mia!
- Mia McPherson March 22, 2013 at 4:18 pm
  
  Thanks Kelly!
Sherrie (Bird Lady) March 10, 2013 at 5:30 pm

Great capture Mia! Great comments above too!
- Mia McPherson March 22, 2013 at 4:16 pm
  
  Thank you Sherrie, it was a great experience to see & photograph this.
Bonnie Peel March 10, 2013 at 2:09 pm

Brrrrrp
- Mia McPherson March 22, 2013 at 4:16 pm
  
  Thanks for the giggle Bonnie!
Bob Bushell March 10, 2013 at 1:56 pm

Absolutely superb, bringing up its dinner, cheers Mia.
- Mia McPherson March 22, 2013 at 4:16 pm
  
  Thank you Bob!
Laurence Butler March 10, 2013 at 1:54 pm

Very cool. Great shots Mia.

We can all relate to the Hawk I’m sure. : )
- Mia McPherson March 22, 2013 at 4:15 pm
  
  Thank you Laurence!
Merrill Ann Gonzales March 10, 2013 at 12:49 pm

I think of this series of photos as fascinating. You certainly are a treasure to bring us up close and real to events people like me would never have a chance to experience. Many thanks. I must say, that image of the wing lift is magnificent!!!
- Mia McPherson March 22, 2013 at 4:15 pm
  
  Thank you Merrill, I feel blessed to see & photograph the wonders of nature
Julie Brown March 10, 2013 at 9:24 am

Great images, as usual. I think the series is interesting. I enjoy learning all aspects of avian behavior.
- Mia McPherson March 22, 2013 at 4:15 pm
  
  Thanks Julie, I find avian behavior fascinating.
Stu March 10, 2013 at 8:38 am

Great story and detailed images Mia.. Lucky I had already finished my corn flakes 😉
- Mia McPherson March 22, 2013 at 4:14 pm
  
  Thanks Stu, glad you had finished your Cornflakes 🙂
M. Firpi March 10, 2013 at 5:58 am

Impressive Mia, it almost looks like the hairball cats get too.
- Mia McPherson March 22, 2013 at 4:14 pm
  
  Thanks Maria, it does remind me a bit of cat hairballs.

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24 Comments