Sunday, December 12, 2010

Wildlife at Howe

On my way home from fishing Mackey Reservoir ( see http://billschiessfishing.blogspot.com/ for that story) I spent about 30 minutes looking at the raptors and other wildlife near Howe, Idaho.

Several people feel Howe may support the largest number of raptors during the winter in the state of Idaho or even the nation.  In 30 minutes I counted 78 hawks and 12 eagles.  The most numerous were the Roughlegged hawk that have just migrated from the Artic Circle.  Here is a beautiful one working a hay field.


Golden eagles were perched on hay stacks and sprinkler lines while Bald eagles were feeding on a few sheep and antelope carcusses around the area.


Herds of antelope filled  the fields along the road.  I estimate there were about 1000 pronghorns in a nine mile stretch.


A great way to end another wild day in Idaho.

10 comments:

Living In Williamsburg Virginia said...

What a fantastic outing and captured so well. Raptors are so fascinating and beautiful.

Darryl and Ruth : )

Gaelyn said...

Fishing and wildlife viewing, how much better can it get. Your captures are outstanding!

Dan Huber said...

wonderful photos.

dan

Graciel said...

78 hawks and 12 eagles in 30 minutes?
bill, you're living my dream!

i've heard idaho is the secret jewel of the lower 48. ;)

DaveABirding said...

Sounds like a good spot, thanks for sharing.

FAB said...

30 minutes in raptor heaven Bill.

Nice to see the underwing detail on the Rough-legged ... far better than I achieved last month. FAB.

Sallie (FullTime-Life) said...

Beautiful day! Thanks for sharing it.

Mary Howell Cromer said...

So exciting for you, what a high number of brilliant photo ops, and your shares here are stunners. Wow, I would love to view those Goldens like that too!

troutbirder said...

Wow those Roughlegged guys are not that common around here. I did managed to put up a post on hunting with Golden Eagles in Mongolia. Seriously! :)

eileeninmd said...

Great shots, Bill! The eagle is awesome. I would love to live there to see all the wonderful wildlife. But, I could never take the winters, much too snowy and cold for me.