Two years ago the 4th of July was cancelled in Phoenix due to windy and dry conditions. Now there's a nasty rumor going around that the fireworks might be cancelled due to monsoon rain. I guess we in Phoenix are only 'fair-weather' patriots...
Anyhow, the recently fledged Harris's Hawks at Encanto Park seemed to be enjoying the overcast weather. They're darker birds, and thus naturally feel empowered by macabre weather.
With this year's nesting success, there are now at least 4 Harris's Hawks living on the Encanto Park/golf course. They perch along the perimeter netting, seemingly aware that their quarry is more-or-less enclosed and ready to catch whenever best suits the predators.
There's not too much going on with birds in the Phoenix area right now, but it was nice to see these pretty Hawks doing so well. I've still got a backlog of photos from last month's beach trip and other adventures back in Arizona. Summer already seems to be slipping away...
