Prairie Sentinel - Swainson's Hawk

The Story Behind the Image of Prairie Sentinel

While driving through the wide-open prairies, we spotted a familiar silhouette perched proudly on a weathered fence post. It was a Swainson’s Hawk - one of the prairie’s most majestic and graceful raptors. Their keen eyes are always scanning the fields below for signs of movement, and they seem perfectly at home among the endless waves of golden grass and open sky.

We’ve always loved seeing these beautiful birds of prey, especially because, unlike many hawks, Swainson’s Hawks will often allow you to admire them from a respectful distance if you approach slowly and quietly. They’re less flighty than most, as long as you give them their space - something we’ve come to appreciate when photographing wildlife.

We pulled to the side of the road and quietly took in the moment. Against the soft prairie backdrop, this proud hawk stood tall on its post, embodying both strength and serenity - a true sentinel of the plains. Moments like this remind us why we love exploring the backroads and open spaces of Canada’s heartland, where nature reveals its quiet wonders to those who take the time to look.

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