Harris Hawk

(Sonoran Desert Museum Raptor Free Flight)

Harris Hawks weigh only about 1-2 lbs (females are the larger) with an average wingspan of about 3.6 feet.  They inhabit the southwest US through to Central America. 

The Harris Hawk is distinguishable by the white band at the base of the tail. 

They are known for their hunting behaviour; they hunt in cooperative family groups.

Their prey is mainly lizards, small rodents, quail and have been known to take something as large as the jackrabbit.

Since 1980 Harris Hawks have been used in falconry (aka Hawkers) and are captive bred for their social behaviour, familiarity with dogs and kinship towards other birds.

A link to a little video on the way they group together;

http://video.nationalgeographic.com/video/player/kids/animals-pets-kids/birds-kids/hawk-harris-kids.html

Cactus Wren.

The collared peccary (JAVELINA)  is the only wild, native, pig-like animal found in the US.  Peccaries are unable to shed moisture by panting to prevent overheating so during the midday heat, they will try to find places shady and tend to find places where there is permanent water.  Although they will eat worms and reptiles they are primarily herbivorous, living on roots, bulbs, cactus & grass.



Turkey Vulture (Buzzard) - live in most of the Americas.  Interestingly, the Turkey Vulture is one of the few birds of prey that is able to use its sense of smell to locate food.

Weigh in at about 6 lbs with a wingspan of 6 feet.





Costa's Hummingbird



Magnificent Hummingbird



Nesting time . . .  the tiny little nest has two eggs about the size of a navy bean.  There are two nests and got to watch one in the making with the little bird having constant interruptions - females are territorial & protect their nests; males are territorial and protect their courtship territories.   Incubation is about two weeks, depending on the species.