#541 Swainson's Hawk #541
by William Lum
Title
#541 Swainson's Hawk #541
Artist
William Lum
Medium
Painting - Watercolor
Description
#541 Swainson’s Hawk
After visiting the Effie Yeaw Nature Center in Carmichael, California, I took a walk on the nearby trail and spotted this Swainson’s Hawk monitoring the pathl. Swainson's Hawks in California (Buteo swainsoni) was listed as a threatened species in 1983 by the California Fish and Game Commission. This listing was based on loss of habitat and decreased numbers across the state. It is thought that the historic population of Swainson's hawks in California was as many as 17,136 pairs. In 1980 a report there were an estimated 375 (+50) breeding pairs of Swainson's hawks remaining in California. The count improved to 941 in 2009 but it is still listed as threatened. The most recognized danger to Swainson's hawks in the loss of their native foraging and breeding grounds. As important foraging areas are converted to urban landscapes or other unsuitable habitat, the aptitude for the landscape to support breeding pairs decreases.
Swainson's hawk is generally tolerant of people. The bird is attracted to haying, mowing, and plowing operations. House sparrows, European starlings, and other small birds may nest in or near a Swainson's hawk's nest. Although Swainson's Hawk is big enough to prey on rodents, snakes, and birds (and does so, while it is raising young), at most seasons it feeds heavily on large insects instead. Flocks are often seen sitting on the ground in fields where there are many grasshoppers or caterpillars. Swainson’s hawk can live over 20 years and the oldest recorded age is 26. This hawk is going to live to a ripe old age because he’s smart enough to stay in a protected nature center.
This 12” X 16” watercolor was done on Fluid 100, 140 lb, cold press paper.
Uploaded
October 15th, 2021
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