March 25, 2025

I am known as a Short-tailed Hawk

I hurt by diving from high in the air

If I spot a Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

It will be in my clutches before it knows I am there.

Location: C. a El Socorro, Costa Rica

Sources: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Short-tailed_Hawk/overview

Photo and text © 2025 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

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April 30, 2021

I am known as a Short-tailed Hawk

I am fairly small, about the size of a crow

My Florida population is now at risk

Due to isolation and loss of mangroves.

Location: Turkey Creek Sanctuary, Palm Bay

Sources: https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Buteo_brachyurus/

Photo and text © 2021 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

March 4, 2020

Location: Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park, Okeechobee

I am known as a Short-tailed Hawk, 
You won't spot me in Florida too often.
To hunt I drop down to surprise small birds
As described by Kenn Kaufman*

* The text on the Audubon site is adapted from Kenn Kaufman's Lives of North American Birds 

Sources: Audubon Guide to North American Birds - Short-tailed Hawk

Photo and text © 2020 Dee Fairbanks Simpson