As near as I can determine, the bald eagles and red shouldered hawks catch the squirrels, and the turkey buzzards finish up the leftovers. This sequence of photos includes a hawk and vulture which I photographed about 15 minutes and 300 yards apart. Given the number of squirrels on the golf course down south here in Heathrow, Florida, the hawks seem to have it pretty easy. Perch in a tree; remain motionless for 5 to 10 minutes; wait for a squirrel to appear. The turkey vultures get the leftovers.

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Squirrel for Supper!

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Who Needs a Fork?

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Open Wide!

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Down the Hatch!

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Have a Toothpick?

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Burp!

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Supper’s Over … Takeoff Time!

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Squirrel Catcher Extraordinaire!

Unlike the Red Tailed Hawk which attacked me yesterday, this cousin chose a much more serene location for this morning! It is a dream of many people, and apparently hawks, but not me to live right on a golf course. Having said that, from a bird’s vantage point assuming the golf course has many natural ponds and an abundance of woods, I can see the value! The scene certainly was peaceful at sunrise this morning.

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My first morning bird hike in Florida was dramatic. I am down here helping my snowbird father who had some recent surgery.

About one hour ago this red tailed hawk attacked me! I must have stumbled upon his nesting area. If I had seen the nest, I would never have moved so close for this photo. It is quite scary to have a hawk dive and attack you. His talons looked very large when they were only four feet above my head. I quickly held up my camera on its monopod to fend him off and then immediately exited the area w/o any delay.

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In total I hiked for about 2.5 hours starting a bit before sunrise. The difference in the number and variety of birds between sprint time in Florida and an extended winter in northern Minnesota is amazing.

Wood Stork on Flight

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Wood Stork in Search of Breakfast

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Wood Ibis Duplication!

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Osprey on the Hunt.