Raptors of Hawk mountain sanctuary 2013 spring

3 Months and a half of training program at Hawk Mountain Sanctuary..

I've learnt a lot of things, theories, techniques, communication skills and mos important friendship.

but I also had numerous chances to have a look at many raptor species.. that migrate  or breed  in the area.

Rare migrant.. Northern Goshawk

Red-shouldered Hawk

Nocturnal birds of prey also counts huh?..

Eastern Screech Owl

Bald Eagle - almost gain adult plumage..many secondaries are new...

Brave Merlin stooping on decoy owl

Broad-winged Hawk flight at bright sunny day..

and the Black vulture..

RUBY-THROATED HUMMINGBIRD

During training at HMS, I had some chances to take pictures of these magnificent

bird their group only appears in new-world.

I had a hummingbird feeder set up from the early April and throughout May to June, 

they became used to this feeder filled with sugary water.

Female adult.

immature bird approaches..

and maneuvers through strings that hold our feeder..

Gently, but swift

reach to the feeder.

Dark spots on chin feathers might indicate its a male..

front..

and takes a sip

get closer..

and backs off

amazingly small bird...

During Antarctic monitoring surveys...