The Swainson Hawk is a truly beautiful bird with a wide variety of color / morph types.  The birds come to Colorado to mate during the spring and summer and I was very happy to discover a pair less than a half mile from my house in suburban Denver.

Near where I live there is a small open space area with a prairie dog colony and some old trees. I have always thought that would be a prime hawk area and at different times have thought I saw a couple hanging out but by the time I parked and got out they seemed to disappear. Not today.

A light morph male and medium / dark female were hanging around.  The male was more than willing to pose and seemed quite curious about me.  The female though was pretty skittish.  Hopefully this pair will make a home in the area.  Overall I am pleased with the photos but the overcast skies made it a bit of a challenge with lighting.

 

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