Kansas Swainson's Hawks

Swainson's Hawk on a fencepost, Gray County, Kansas.


Swainson's Hawks were the most common Buteo I observed this past week in southwestern Kansas. I saw several Red-tailed Hawks and one Rough-legged Hawk, but the majority were Swainson's Hawks.


A Swainson's Hawk takes off from a wheat field where it had been sheltering from the constant wind.


These three shots were taken in rapid succession. I like it for it's flip-book like action. Hunting, looking over at me, and then sailing off. I just missed getting to photograph this hawk with its pair going through the courtship ritual where they grasp talons and fall together. It was fun to watch.