Outdoor Picture of the Day: Swainson’s Hawk at Rest in Boulder

Today’s featured image captures a powerful moment of stillness—a Swainson’s Hawk perched on a weathered fence post in the wide-open plains of Boulder, Colorado. Known for their epic migrations and broad-winged flight, this raptor reminds us that sometimes the most striking moments in nature are the quietest ones.

A Grounded Visitor with a Global Journey

Though this hawk is standing still, it carries the story of a long and impressive journey. The Swainson’s Hawk is one of the most wide-ranging migratory raptors in the world. Each year, it travels over 12,000 miles between its wintering grounds in South America and its breeding territory across the western United States—including Boulder County.

By early spring, they begin arriving in Colorado, settling in for the warm months to raise their young before migrating south again in the fall. But in this moment, the bird is perfectly still—watching, waiting, grounded.

Why They Choose Boulder

The plains and grasslands surrounding Boulder provide ideal habitat for Swainson’s Hawks. They prefer open spaces for hunting and high vantage points like fence posts, utility poles, and lone trees for perching and nesting.

In the early breeding season, they feed mostly on rodents and small mammals. As the summer warms up, they switch to a diet of insects—especially grasshoppers and crickets—earning the nickname “grasshopper hawk.” Boulder’s blend of natural fields and preserved open space makes it one of the best places to observe this seasonal transformation.

Where to Spot a Swainson’s Hawk

If you’re hoping to see a Swainson’s Hawk in Boulder, your best chances are in these wide-open and bird-friendly locations:

• Walden Ponds Wildlife Habitat – Rich with wetlands and expansive fields, it’s a hotspot for raptors.

• Carolyn Holmberg Preserve at Rock Creek Farm – A peaceful location with ideal open terrain.

• Marshall Mesa and South Boulder Grasslands – Scenic trails and prairie views often include perched hawks in the distance.

Final Reflection

Today’s image captures the Swainson’s Hawk in a rare, peaceful pose—silent and observant, taking a break from its usual rhythm of flight and motion. Even a bird that travels continents must sometimes stop and rest. And when it does, Boulder offers the perfect perch.

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