Some new spring birds

This spring started off a little slower than I intially expected but I was still able to band a few raptors on their journey north. I was very lucky to catch a couple more Rough-legged Hawks, these are the most stunning Buteos we have in my opinion.

AHY male Rough-legged Hawk

Female second year Rough-legged Hawk Kestrels have been coming through the Peace Region in large numbers and i've been very lucky this spring with just over 30 banded so far. My biggest surprise was trapping 2 Northern Harriers while having Kestrels caught on my traps. Here is a nice Adult Male Harrier.

This year with the help of the local nature society we put together a nest box program for Northern Saw-whet Owls and Boreal Owls. We placed 15 boxes up and I placed another 15 of my own boxes up around Peace Region within the Boreal forest. Here is a shot from one of the boxes.

Saw-whet Owl And finally, it is that time again to bring out the Ravens. I found a whopping 12 nests this spring and it looks like only 2 of the 12 failed this spring, here is a picture from the first batch. These birds were nesting right in town just down the street from my house. I have had my eyes on this nest since the middle of March, 4 young all over 900 grms.