Swainsons Hawk - Proud

I feel very fortunate to be able to photograph Swainson's Hawks as I live Righttt on the very tip of their summer range.  These fellows also are nicknamed Grasshopper hawks as they are one of few species that will actively feed on them.  To this day many of them still have large quantities of DDT in their system originating from South America before it was finally stopped being used to kill grasshoppers.  The hawks would swoop down to feed on the dying bugs in large quantities.  For years their numbers dropped due to their eggs being too fragile but are now making a solid recovery.