Juvenile Red-Headed Woodpecker

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I've been on a mission to secure a photo of this Woodpecker with the black/dark brown head for a few weeks. I finally got a break today when it showed up and was in camera range.

I had no idea of this Woodpecker's ID with the dark head a few weeks ago until looking at Peterson's Field Guide. Then it all made sense.

Patience prevailed when it finally returned and was close enough for a picture.

You can see a touch of brown streaking on this juvi's breast. It is also beginning to molt into adult plumage as you can see by the touch of red beginning to form around its eye.

A Red-Headed Woodpecker is always a pleasure to see. Especially a Juvenile as it is a first for me.

Juvenile Swainson's Hawk

(Left-Click to enlarge pictures).

My wife and I recently headed down Fabacher Road in Calcasieu Parish to see what was up. "Look!", my wife exclaimed as she pointed to a Juvenile Swainson's Hawk sitting in a tree. He was keeping a sharp eye out for prey in the field below. As we approached he turned his head and kept an eye on us as we admired this uncommon Raptor and took a few pictures. Once we left, he turned his head and continued watching over the open field looking for his next meal before the day ended.

What can be said about the presence of this juvenile Swainson's Hawk in Calcasieu Parish? Does this provide evidence that a pair of Swainson's Hawks successfully bred in Louisiana? How far do juvenile Swainson's Hawks range from the territory where they were hatched? Do they stick close to their birth area or did this juvenile fly in from another state?

Perhaps all that can be said is, "A Juvenile Swainson's Hawk was present on Fabacher Road in Louisiana", but there is certainly a possibiliy that he is a Louisiana product. What do you think?

Cute Factor: The Wood Duck Chicks

Hope you like the cute little Wood Ducks jumping from their nest box.

Left-click on the images for the full effect..
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Is this too cute or what?

This is TWICE as CUTE!!

This is the BEST !!

The time has come for the first LEAP of FAITH !!

We're having fun NOW !!

Head first ???

Impatient, impatient, impatient little ones  ... two at a TIME !

A perfect "10" !! This is my favorite. Be sure to left-click for the full effect. :)

The chicks gather around Mom after their daring jump (not all yet). Once all the little ones jump down Mom and her little ones waddle off.