Several large raptors were seen in what appeared to be hovering flight as we recently drove across eastern Iowa on I-80. A few birds such as hummingbirds and kingfishers routinely hover in one spot even in calm air. The hawks I saw weren’t actually hovering, but were doing something called kiting.
It’s sunny and bright as I write today, but there’s still enough wind from yesterday’s storm to keep the tree tops moving. It’s only in the teens, too. There was a time, and it doesn’t seem so long ago, that I’d probably have tried to work in some cross-country skiing before the day was over.
Naturally Speaking
Hunting seasons are winding down, but are far from over. Second shotgun deer season began on Dec. 12, and runs through the 20th. Hunters will be orange clad, and anyone using public hunting areas or areas near public hunting ought to have on some orange, too. Red and brown clothing can look very deer-like especially in dim early morning or evening light. The brown color of many coverall types of outerwear is an almost perfect match for deer. Avoid it and don’t be mistaken for a deer! Muzzle-loader and archery deer seasons reopen through Jan. 10 after shotgun season closes. Some deer hunters will still be out, but not as many.