[billybek]

I love it when the raptors return to Calgary in the springtime.
There are several different small hawks and falcons around town and the community I live in boarders a large natural parkland area (Edworthy Park).

I had a small Sparrowhawk hit the front window of my house a few years back and was stunned lying in the fresh May snow that had fallen the previous evening.
I ran into the garage and grabbed my welding gloves and picked the bird up and it perched on my hand for almost a half hour while I warmed it up in the sun in the sheltered back yard. It is hard to describe how beautiful these birds are when you have an opportunity to examine them closely and how well designed they are for surviving.

The Ospreys have already returned to the park and the Red Tailed hawks and others will return shortly. Our area is frequented by bald eagles surfing the wind on the ridge and when the golden eagles are migrating you might get a glimpse of one if you are lucky.

The return of the raptors signals the beginning of spring for me. I can't wait.