Update on Hadley Hawk

Hadley the Hawk is pretty much a member of the family during the summer.  She usually comes and sits in the bird bath in the afternoon when the temperature reaches around 100 degrees.  This year we have had flycatchers nesting nearby.  They divebomb her while she's trying to rest in the water.  So she sometimes moves to a limb in the nearby tree where they can't dive bomb her.

A robin also does not enjoy her presence and chirps and chirps her alarm call.  It can go on for hours.   We often have bird drama in the backyard, thanks to Hadley.

Our Exciting New Neighbors

 Years ago, our family took a special trip out to Lytle Ranch- about 1 hour from our home to see if we could spot a Vermillion Flycatcher.  Sure enough, we saw a pair.  It was so exciting.

Now we have a pair that have moved into the tree behind our house and have a nest there.  They forage in our lawn.  This is so exciting for Ken.  We know that they have laid eggs and the eggs have hatched.  It has been so fun for Ken to watch them and observe their habits.  Only once has Ken seen the male sit on the nest.  But he defends it with his life.  If another bird comes near, he goes on the attack, regardless of it's size.  He is fierce.  How we hope the babies will grow up and stay around here. This is a dream come true for Ken.

It is such a beautiful bird.

2025 Christmas Bird Count

 Ken participated in three Audubon Christmas bird counts this year: Zion National Park, St. George City, and Silver Reef. For many years, he was the director of the St. George City one, but he retired this year and was just a participant.  He served as a group leader in all three counts.  His brother, Don is a nature photographer and shared some of his pictures from the counts.

Female Ladderback Woodpecker

Male Ladderback Woodpecker

Hermit Thrush

Northern Pygmy Owl- this picture was taken by another participant, Miranda Crawford.

Ken doesn't go "birding" as much as he would like, but he enjoys participating in these annual counts.  He also enjoys our backyard visitors and tries to get in some birding when we travel.