Wednesday, Jan 28, the Clark birding car were treated to many Trumpeter and 2 Tundra Swans at Thomas Hill Reservoir, then after a fine fried chicken buffet meal at Don's in Huntsville, turned south.
For me, the highlight of that south leg came at Rocky Fork Lakes CA in Boone Co.
Seconds after we spotted a Red-tailed Hawk high in a winter-bare tree it launched toward us, flying an estimated 175 yards to nail a small (field mouse?) rodent in the snow. It flew about 50 yards into a tree to dine. That tree was farther away from the second hawk watching the action from near where the first was spotted.
I know raptor eyesight is thought to be 8 times our own, but seeing a mouse 175 yards away and then pouncing unerringly on it is astonishing to me.
Edge Wade Columbia, MO <1edgewade...>
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