hay wheel
hawk over tractor
It’s hay-making season in the Pays-de-Gex. The farmers are out with their tractors cutting the grass, drying it, and baling it. But they’re not alone! If you look closely at the picture on the right, you’ll see the hawk passing overhead. Every time we see a field being cut, there are always hawks circling the field, looking for any unfortunate little critter that’s been forced to run for cover. The day they cut the grass is not a good day for small furry mammals and other creatures in the fields!
A short while ago, Dweezeljazz and I were lucky enough to pass by one field while it was being cut, and as expected, the hawks were very much in attendance. For some reason, they don’t just stay over the field where the action is, they also cruise over the nearby areas. We were lucky enough to get some rather good shots of them as they flew overhead.
Hmm, this one appears to be circling us, instead of the field!
hawk circling
hawk circling us!
Sometimes they seem to fly in formation, one following another. I don’t know if that’s just my imagination, or if they really do do that. I can imagine that something that might be startled by the first hawk passing over would be spotted by the second. Occasionally they swoop, and even though we haven’t seen one catch anything yet, they often seem to grab at the cut grass and fly away, taking their chances to see what they can get.
pair of hawks
We moved on. It was one of those rare summer days when you could see Mont Blanc with some clarity, and the hawks were out over much of the countryside. Those small animals in the fields better stay alert and remain hidden, wherever they are. If they want my advice, they would do well to keep off the grass!
hawks with mont blanc
(Possibly) related posts:
- While out walking
- Winter visitors
- Goldfinches
- Avatar: What do you see?
- Snow in the Jura
Tags: Mont Blanc, Pays de Gex, Birds
Posted by Tony on Thursday, July 2nd, 2009 at 18:47 in Nature, Wildlife.
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July 30th, 2009 at 21:33
I’m glad the hawk decided to move on to different prey
July 31st, 2009 at 05:24
fortunately for us it decided we were either too big or not worth eating. Either way, I’m glad!