Spotted this week, in the neighbourhood of Collins Road, a Rough-legged Hawk. A bird of the Northern Tundra, the rough-legged hawk comes South in wintertime, making this sighting rare.
A big bird, the name “rough-legged” refers to the feathers which cover the legs to the base of the toes. One of the hawk’s most recognizable traits is the way it hovers over one spot in search of food.
Don’t forget, the Christmas Bird Count is just around the corner, taking place Tuesday Dec 17. Meet at the Pony the Swiss Deli, between 7.30 am and 8 am, where teams will form and bird-counters will be scanning the sky by 8. Tabulation will take place at 7869 Meadows Rd, the Tschopp residence, from 2:30pm. Birders with cameras are encouraged to take them along to take evidence of that rare bird.
As Mr Tschopp reminds us, this week is “count week” – so take note of any birds you see between Saturday 14th and Friday 20th.
The Wellness Almanac 