Bald Eagles & Roadrunners of Irvine, Mating Kites, Raptors: Ferruginous Hawks, Prarie Falcons in Southern California 2011

These are the unusual raptors I have had the pleasure of observing this month of January, 2011
Copyrighted by Linda Jones

Ferruginous Hawk, one of the largest hawks in the USA. I might add, one of the lightest in color.
Beautiful Ferruginous Hawk
The back of the Ferruginous Hawk. Beautiful raptor. Rarer than Bald Eagles, and larger than any other hawk in the USA.
Ferruginous Hawk
Ferruginous Hawk
Young Red Tail hanging around the area of the Dark Morph.
Ferruginous Hawk
Very unusual Dark Morph Ferruginous Hawk
Dark Morph Ferruginous hawk, very rare indeed.
This is such a rare raptor in southern cal, I was thrilled to get some shots! Dark Morph Ferrugenious Hawk. Lancaster, California
Dark Morph Ferruginous Hawk
The Dark Morph Ferruginous Hawk is so dark, it looks like a raven when you can't see the wing spread. Their beaks are orange.
Prairie Falcon
A close up of their beak, shaped like a bottle opener. Beautiful Prairie falcon, slightly smaller than the Peregrine falcon.
Red Tailed Hawk
Young Red Tail
Irvine Bald Eagle
Bald Eagle passing through Irvine Regional Park
Bald Eagle visiting the north Irvine hills. Enough rain this year for the lake to be released into some creeks and for once fish were in the waters. I have seen one Bald Eagle here for 4 years. The juvenile has been seen for about a year and a half. There was no evidence of a successful nest this last year. Most likely a female is not around because this guy has been hanging out at the zoo buildings where a female eagle is inside. Very sad! She has an injured wing. Jan.28'11. Very rare here.
Bald eagle in irvine
I like this photo because of the white tail.
Juvenile 2nd year, Bald Eagle, Santiago Creek, Irvine, Ca.
Juvenile bald eagle, irvine, california, observed twice following nearby to the adult BE. By next year he should be mottled pretty well all over and the face will start to change in color.
Juvenile 2nd year Bald Eagle, Irvine.
I believe this eagle is not extrmely shy because he is used to the boaters at Irvine lake.
Love the look..."What you sayin' boy?"
Bald Eagle in Irvine, January, 2011
Looking down at the female that he'd like to have as his mate.
Kite food exchange, a little practice before the nesting season. They work hard feeding their young. Pretty much all day long.
Beautiful day for the gift of love. Dinner served...