Today, I’d like to share a little adventure I had recently, something a bit out of the ordinary for me. It all started when I got curious about the Utah Hawk, you know, those majestic birds you sometimes see soaring in the sky. I’ve always been fascinated by them, but never really took the time to learn more. So, I decided to change that.
First thing I did was hit up the internet, just to get a general idea about them. I found out that the Red-tailed Hawk is pretty common around here. It’s got this cool, distinctive cry and really broad wings. They’re like the embodiment of the wild spirit of this place! Then there’s this other one, the Northern Goshawk, which is way more elusive. Apparently, it’s a rare breeding resident and adds a bit of mystery to the forests it hangs out in. It was interesting that there is a law called the “Migratory Bird Treaty Act” which protects these birds.
After getting some basic info, I wanted to see these hawks in action. I learned that they like open country, woodlands, prairie groves, mountains, plains, and roadsides. Basically, any place with a good view for hunting and some high perches. This could be anything from woodlands with clearings to open grasslands or even deserts with a few trees or utility poles.
So, I packed some snacks, grabbed my old binoculars, and headed out to a nearby nature reserve that seemed to fit the bill. I spent a good few hours just walking around, scanning the sky and the treetops. At first, I didn’t see much, just the usual sparrows and such. But then, way up high, I spotted one! It was far away, but even from that distance, I could tell it was a Red-tailed Hawk. It was amazing to see it just kind of float up there, riding the air currents. I must have watched it for a good 20 minutes before it disappeared over the horizon.
And then I searched for some information about the Common Black Hawk. I was so excited to find out that its scientific name is Buteogallus anthracinus, and its length is about 16.9. How cool is that? I mean, I was practically geeking out over here, but it was so fascinating to me.
I also read about a bird-watching guide, something called the “Big Garden Birdwatch Guide.” It’s part of some big wildlife survey, the largest in the world, actually. I thought, why not? So I signed up for it. It seemed like a fun way to contribute to something bigger and learn more about birds in general.
- Went online to learn about Utah Hawks.
- Found out about the Red-tailed Hawk and Northern Goshawk.
- Learned about their preferred habitats.
- Visited a nature reserve to try and spot one.
- Saw a Red-tailed Hawk in the distance.
- Discovered the Common Black Hawk’s scientific name and length.
- Signed up for the Big Garden Birdwatch.
All in all, it was a pretty great day. I didn’t become an expert or anything, but I definitely gained a new appreciation for these birds. Plus, it was just nice to get out of the house and do something different. I even signed up for that birdwatch thing, so who knows, maybe this will be the start of a new hobby for me.
Anyway, I thought I’d share this little adventure with you all. Maybe it’ll inspire you to go out and explore something new, too. You never know what you might discover!
