Fly Like An Eagle

I want to fly like an eagle
To the sea
Fly like an eagle
Let my spirit carry me
I want to fly like an eagle
Till I'm free
Oh, lord, through the revolution

That old Steve Miller song has a lot of truth to it. The freedom one can see from something as simple as a bird of prey as it glides on the wind currents. Such was the case today, as I spotted a hawk doing just that. Later in the morning I saw not one, but four that seemed to be playing on the air currents.

There have been a larger number of hawks, falcons and other buteos that I've seen this year in Saskatchewan. I am not sure the reason why, it could be a number of things. Better hunting grounds, destroyed traditional nesting grounds, changes in climate. There are a number of factors as to why birds and animals move to new locations. Saskatchewan is home to many different kinds of hawks. One of the first that I ever saw was the Red Tailed Hawk. The Red Tailed Hawk is one of the most commonly seen in Saskatchewan, especially in the aspen parkland ecoregion. A drive through the country would often result in spotting perhaps half a dozen of these buteos either soaring on the air currents, or sitting stoically on fence posts. Like many soaring hawks, the Red Tailed has very acute vision to be able to see prey from flight or even perched.

Other hawks that are common in Saskatchewan are the Swainson's Hawk and the Ferruginous Hawk, though the latter is greatly reduced in numbers.

Falcons also have a common place in the province, with both the American Kestrel and Merlin seen quite regularily. Even the more well known Peregrine Falcon has it's migratory patterns following through Saskatchewan. A fierce hunter, the population of Peregrines has dwindled due to heavy use of DDT in the past, placing the falcon on the endangered species list.

Take a close look around, you never know what you'll see. Especially if you look up.

Simply...

...keep 'em flyin'.