Swainson's Hawks (Buteo swainsoni), Gila Bend, Maricopa County

Swainson's Hawk is accidental in Maricopa County in the summer.  For this reason, Kurt Radamaker and Dave Powell were surprised to discover this flock of around 200 Swainson's Hawks in a field near Gila Bend in western Maricopa County on Watermelon Road just east of Citrus Valley Road on 12 July 2008. The agricultural fields in this area contained at total of at least 300 birds.

Swainson's Hawks are known to gather in large flocks like this around food sources prior to migration and these birds are perhaps feeding on grasshoppers in preparation for migration.  Where this many birds came from at this time of year is unknown. 

Below is a distant shot of the birds as they began taking flight illustrating the large area and number of birds. This image taken by Kurt has over 175 Swainson's Hawks in it.  Click on this image to see a larger version.  The next image is an enlarged slice of the first photo, and finally a closer shot of a few individuals

12 July 2008, photos by Kurt Radamaker