Yesterday evening, I stumbled across a Facebook post that mentioned a hawk sighting at a local bird sanctuary. That was all the motivation I needed. I grabbed my camera and set off, hoping to catch a glimpse of this elusive raptor. My other goal? Capturing the gorgeous sunset, one of my absolute favorite natural spectacles.
When I arrived, the sun was just beginning to dip below the horizon, painting the sky with its final golden rays. I scanned the treetops for the hawk but had no luck, so I shifted my attention to the lagoon, where I was greeted by a variety of ducks. In between the familiar quacking of mallards, I noticed a few ducks that looked different, stirring my excitement. With some high-quality duck food and grubs in hand, I decided to feed the ducks and wait, hoping that the hawk would eventually make an appearance.
As the ducks quacked away, their little sounds blending with the calmness of the evening, something incredible happened. Among the mallards, a pair of American Pintails arrived—a male and female. I'd never seen them in person before, and my camera was clicking away furiously, capturing their elegant forms. The female Pintail was a beauty all her own, with intricate, muted brown feather patterns that seemed to blend perfectly with the soft evening light. Unlike the more assertive ducks around her, she hung back with such grace, elegantly waiting for the right moment to swim forward for food. It was as if she was too shy to compete, but her quiet presence was captivating, embodying a sense of calm amidst the bustle of the other birds.
The male Pintail was a stunning sight with his rich chocolate-brown head, striking white neck, and intricate feather patterns that looked like nature’s finest art. Despite his bold coloring, he was just as shy as his mate, waiting patiently for the right moment to glide in and collect his share of food. I don’t usually feed birds, but in this moment, it felt like a small payment for the privilege of capturing their beauty through my lens.
As if that weren’t enough, an American Wigeon pair soon followed. I felt electricity course through me. No, it wasn’t the hawk I had come for, but these ducks were definitely on my birding list. Score!
The American Wigeon, slightly smaller in size, was a spectacular sight with its creamy neck and beautifully patterned back feathers. What truly captivated me was the vivid green stripe running across the male’s head, perfectly complementing the soft earth tones of his body. The contrast was simply breathtaking. He, too, waited patiently for his moment to gather food, his quiet elegance adding to the beauty of the evening.
I mean, just look at this guy! It's incredible how all the competing colors and patterns come together so harmoniously. The bold green stripe on his head, paired with the creamy tones of his neck and the intricate, earthy patterns on his back, create a mesmerizing contrast. It’s as though nature’s palette knows no bounds—each color and texture complements the next in a way that feels both vibrant and perfectly balanced. Truly stunning.
After soaking in the duck encounters, I made my way to the beachside and was greeted by fast-moving diving birds. I snapped a few photos before they darted underwater again. Once home, I used eBird to identify them: Horned Grebes! Another first for me, and an unexpected treat. Horned Grebes are fascinating birds, often found in coastal marine environments, especially during the winter months. They prefer the open ocean over lagoon waters because the ocean provides a rich abundance of food like small fish, crustaceans, and invertebrates. The clearer waters also offer better visibility for hunting, making it easier for them to spot prey.
Known for their expert diving abilities, Horned Grebes use their powerful legs, positioned toward the back of their bodies, to propel themselves underwater with precision. They can stay submerged for up to 30 seconds, skillfully searching the seabed or water column for food. During the breeding season, they undergo a striking transformation, sporting bold chestnut and black plumage, and developing golden feather "horns" that give them their name. These diving masters also build floating nests, often camouflaging their eggs with nesting material when they leave to keep them hidden and warm.
As the sun set and cast a beautiful pink-gold hue over the water, I took a moment to meditate, breathing in the peace of the moment. In the far distance, I could see a half-moon rising, adding a magical touch to the evening. The fresh sea air and the stunning colors of the sky filled me with a sense of calm and healing. After a long day of birding, this quiet, serene moment was exactly what my mind and soul needed. Nature’s beauty never fails to soothe me, helping to quiet the noise of everyday life and supporting my mental health in ways that are hard to put into words. It was a powerful reminder of how much I rely on these peaceful experiences in nature to reset and reconnect.
The adventure wasn't over yet. As I slowly drove home, something suddenly flew in front of my car. A Cooper’s Hawk! I pulled over immediately, grabbing my camera just in time to catch the hawk hopping from log to log, almost as if he were on a casual evening stroll. Watching him run—yes, run—was unlike anything I'd seen before, and I couldn’t help but laugh. He looked like he was wearing little pantaloons! Although he later perched in a tree where I couldn’t capture much detail due to the silhouette, the experience was thrilling.
Cooper’s Hawks are truly majestic birds, with their striking plumage designed for both beauty and function. The adult's bluish-gray back and wings, combined with a reddish-orange barred chest, give them a sleek, powerful appearance. These patterns are not just for show— their coloration helps them blend into the dappled light of forests, making them stealthy hunters. Their long tail, with its bold black and white bands, aids in swift, agile flight through dense trees as they chase down smaller birds and mammals. With their piercing yellow eyes and sharp talons, Cooper’s Hawks are formidable predators, perfectly adapted to their woodland environments. Watching one up close, you can’t help but admire how every detail of their appearance plays a role in their mastery of the hunt.
By the end of the night, I came home with a smile on my face and a heart full of gratitude. Spending time with such incredible wildlife, even in the span of a few short hours, was exactly the healing my soul needed.
Just feeding your blog is healing--keep up the great work!