After spending yesterday indoors, I knew today had to be different. I got myself up early, bundled up in a sweater for the crisp fall weather, and headed off to a local park with one mission in mind: find the ducks. But, as with any wildlife photography adventure, nature had its own plans for me.
No ducks greeted me in the flats, but instead, I was treated to the majestic sight of a Northern Harrier Hawk hunting for field mice. There’s something about watching a bird of prey in action—it’s pure grace and power. I managed to get a few shots of him in flight, and they left me breathless. Hawks always seem to know just when the light is perfect.
The Northern Harrier Hawk is a striking bird of prey, known for its distinctive owl-like face and its unique hunting style, gliding low over fields in search of small mammals. Males are often referred to as 'gray ghosts' due to their pale gray plumage, while females and juveniles have more of a brownish tone. I was taken aback by the vibrant colors of this hawk, especially when the sunlight highlighted its striking plumage in flight. Their call—a sharp, high-pitched 'kee-kee-kee'—is as distinctive as their appearance, cutting through the air as they soar gracefully over open landscapes.
On my way back to the car, I was serenaded by a blackbird perched on top of a pine tree. His song filled the air, as if he was calling out to the other blackbirds in the area. Blackbirds have a beautiful, rich call that carries far and wide, often filling the air with a flutelike melody. Their song is both soothing and powerful, as if they’re singing just for the joy of it. Whenever I hear that familiar tune, I stop to listen—it’s one of nature’s simplest and purest sounds, a reminder of the harmony in even the most ordinary moments.
It was such a peaceful moment, and the tree beside him was full of Northern Flickers, adding to the woodland chorus. The Northern Flicker’s call is a distinctive, sharp 'wick wick wick,' often echoing through the trees like a rapid burst of sound. It’s a call that grabs your attention, different from the more melodic songs of other birds, but just as captivating. Hearing their calls always makes me stop and look up, knowing I’m about to spot one of these beautifully patterned woodpeckers in action.
Determined to find a particular duck species I had been hoping to photograph, I headed to another local park. No luck with that duck, but I struck gold with a pair of wood ducks, both male and female. Their colors stood out brilliantly against the autumn landscape. As a surprise bonus, I even spotted a wild rat, feasting on some leftover birdseed—nature always has its unexpected moments!
As I watched the wood ducks, I couldn’t help but notice their high-pitched calls—though I have to admit, they’re much better to look at than to hear! The males’ soft, rising whistles and the females’ sharp 'jeeb' sounds are so different from the familiar quack of a mallard. While their voices may not be the most pleasant, their vibrant plumage more than makes up for it, adding a striking splash of color to the autumn landscape.
One of the joys of birding is hearing the soft, almost buzzing sound of a hummingbird before you even see it. Their wings create a delicate hum that you can easily miss if you’re not paying attention. I always recommend stopping and soaking in that little sound—it’s like a gentle whisper from nature. And you never know, if you’re patient, a hummingbird might land nearby, just like it did for me, giving you the perfect chance to snap a picture.
Even in silhouette, their tiny frames and rapid movements are mesmerizing. I also had a brief encounter with some kinglets, but they were too quick for me to capture the sharp portraits I was hoping for. Maybe next time!
It was a perfect fall day—sunny and cool, the kind of weather that makes you want to stay outside forever. The rustling leaves and the songs of the birds are exactly what my soul needed. As always, my bird walk refreshed my spirit, giving me that precious quiet time to reconnect with nature.
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