COMMUNITY NATURE
Clockwise: Juvenile Redtailed Hawk, Red-tailed Hawk Cooper's Hawk
Raptors in view BY SHAILA HOOD
It's no secret to locals that North Ogden offers a unique, and beautiful environment. In addition to our recent beautification projects and picturesque mountainscape backdrops, our community is also a wintering ground for many kinds of raptors (no, not dinosaurs). Raptors, also known as birds of prey, are medium to large predatory birds that are a great benefit to our ecosystem and community. As carnivores, they feast heavily on unwanted rodents such as mice, gophers and squirrels, helping to keep these populations at bay. Raptors play a vital role in creating a balanced ecosystem for our community and surrounding areas.
HAWK WATCH
For more tips and identification help, check out Utah's own HawkWatch International. HawkWatch International is a non-profit organization dedicated to raptor conservation and well-being. Experts and biologists provide countless outlets to learn all about our local birds and how to be successful in identifying them. Find out more at www.hawkwatch.org
North Ogden is an especially great place for viewing these beneficial birds due to our optimal location and design. With scattered agricultural areas in and around our city, open fields will attract soaring Red-tailed Hawks and swooping American Kestrels, the smallest falcon in the US. Our treed neighborhoods, backyards, and parks are great for smaller hawks including Sharp-shinned Hawks and Cooper's Hawks. Furthermore, our rugged encircled cliffs will draw Bald Eagles over our town on the way to perch for the evening after fishing our nearby reservoirs. Yes, that's right, Bald Eagles! Keep your eyes to the sky early in the day or towards dusk for a chance to catch them headed into the canyons of Ben Lomond Mountain and surrounding hills. CONNECTIONPUBLISHING // November 2016 17