It was a cold and overcast when I went on a mid-afternoon hike here in Old Trail. Soon after leaving my house, I spotted a Red-shouldered Hawk on one side of Old Trail Drive, and then another one on the other side of the road. Each one flew across the road, and they finally landed together in the same tree.
Red-shouldered Hawks
Red-shouldered Hawk
Red-shouldered Hawk
A small raptor flew over Old Trail Drive, and then back west again. I wondered if it were the same Merlin that I had seen on December 3rd. I hiked the Lindy Bain Trail and found the Merlin in the same tree where I had seen it eight days ago.
Merlin
Merlin
The escaped Black Swan was still in the pond by the golf course.
Canada Goose and Black Swan
I returned and hiked some more on the east side of Old Trail Drive. I saw a Dickcissel! It was probably the same one I saw nearby on November 28th. I hope that it sticks around for the winter!
Dickcissel
When I got home, one of the Red-shouldered Hawks was perched in a tree just across the street.
Red-shouldered Hawk