K2, our Hungarian Kuvasz, and I had almost completed our hike of observing and photographing urban wildlife. We stopped in awe as we saw a hawk sitting on a kill smack in the middle of the trail. Feathers of the unfortunate prey were scattered all over the grass and bush evidencing a desperate struggle for life. We did not want to disturb the raptor. In an attempt to give it a little space, we started retreating on the trail. With substantial distance between it and us, K2 and I waited for what seemed like ages. Finally, the raptor flew into the forest with the prey in its talons. I identified it as a Cooper’s Hawk with a feral pigeon kill.
In the company of 2 years old K2, I started exploring neighbourhood trails in the ravine system and the conservation area for observing wildlife. Initially, K2 was always jittery at the glimpse of any wildlife. By the time he was 4, he was a mature hiking partner.
Here are some straight out of camera (SOOC) photos from a hike on 16th April to experience the first awakening signs of spring season.
Above from left: A song sparrow, female red-winged blackbird, and male red-winged blackbird.
Early spring is also uplifting as tree buds begin to sprout. In the absence of flowers, these sprouts can get easily neglected. While K2 sniffed around, I tool some close-ups.
final words
Until our next blog, au revoir! Be outdoorsy, embrace diversity, and support causes for the conservation of nature!
K2, the Kuvasz, and me 