Of all the visitors to our backyard, I find the visits from the Raptors to be the most exciting. We have had Sharp-shinned, Coopers, a magnificent Zone-tailed and now a pair of Swainson's. For the past few weeks, a pair, I assume male and female, have stopped by almost daily to survey the yard from atop a dead Agave plant and then drop down into the pond for a drink. Usually, I am in the house and cannot get a good shot. Today I was outside in my normal morning viewing chair when all the rest of the birds scattered and this lone male (I think) flew in. My camera was ready and I shot away.

Swainson's are primarily insectivores, favoring dragonflies and grasshoppers, and reptile eaters. Only when feeding young during the breeding season to they switch to the three R's - reptiles, and rodents. So long as they don't go after my baby scaled-quail I am happy with them visiting.
Shoot Date: June 23, 2018
Canon EOS 5D Mark IV
Shutter priority ¹⁄₂₀₀₀ sec at f/6.3 0 EV
Lens: TAMRON SP 150-600mm F/5-6.3 Di VC USD A011 @ 600 mm
ISO: 640