bird of prey

You sure love nature Lacertus, but tell me you're not one of those activists are you? Maybe even an eco-terrorist? JK

Oh, no! This bird from ornithological service in the airport.

I love nature of course, but I don't like to go from one extreme to another in my passions.

"Egyptian priests and some poets say that once when many gods had assembled in Egypt, suddenly Typhon, an exceedingly fierce monster and deadly enemy of the gods, came to that place.

 

Terrified by him, they changed their shapes into other forms: Mercurius became an ibis (the god Thoth), Apollo, the bird that is called Thracian (the god Horus), Diana, a cat (the goddess Bastet).

 

For this reason they say the Egyptians do not permit these creatures to be injured, because they are called representations of gods." - Hyginus, Astronomica 2.28

 

In other words Lacertus, your noble friend there is a hawk.

A hawk? Darn, I really can't tell the difference between falcons, eagles, and hawks. Maybe a little help?

A hawk? Darn, I really can't tell the difference between falcons, eagles, and hawks. Maybe a little help?

 

First off, eagles are larger and have a more robust beak.

 

Falcons are much smaller and often (but not necessarily) have more grey/blue in them. It's really easy in flight to discern a falcon from a hawk because the falcon's tail is longer and more of a rectangle shape. Hawk's have a big wing span and their tail is shorter and broader like a rounded off, oriental fan.

 

Also falcons are more erratic but purposeful in their flight and will first look for prey from a perch while a hawk will calmly soar around coasting on a termal to look for prey.

 

Next time you are in a rural area driving down the interstate on a clear day, keep your eye on the sky in areas where there is a tree line and open field close together. You'll start noticing hawks. They'll have a speckled white/brown underbelly apposed to the black/brown of a vulture.

 

I think I must have been an Augur (Auspex) in an ancient life...

I think I must have been an Augur (Auspex) in an ancient life...

 

I'm not doubt!