Swainson’s Hawk

Sierra Vista, Ariozona

I hadn’t even unpacked my bags yet. I was still driving to my father’s house — where I was staying for the Southwest Wings Birding and Nature Festival 2026 — when a raptor a few blocks from his place caught my eye. I pulled over, camera up, and photographed my first-ever Swainson’s Hawk. Another bird for my photo life list. Just like that. And the festival hadn’t even started yet!