Category Archives: hawks

One very charming red-tailed hawk

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I met an amazing red-tailed hawk at the lake a few days ago. She seemed very curious about me and I certainly enjoyed watching her. We watched each other for a good thirty minutes before she took off in search of lunch. There were thousands of migrating gulls coming through that day. It was an incredible moment as I felt like we were watching them together. I stood under the tree looking up at her and the gulls flying over while she sat above, watching the gulls and occasionally looking down at me. It is very important to me that photographers respect the space of those they photograph. I was quiet and kept my distance and she stayed around. I felt honored to get to be in her presence for a little while. Click on pictures to enlarge.

Hungry

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Fledglings are everywhere right now, following their parents around, learning to find food. This cutie was sitting on top of the pole yelling at the top of her/his lungs. It goes something like this, “What do you mean I have to find food for myself? Hungry! Feed me!” Click on picture to enlarge.

When scissor-tails attack

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This red-tailed hawk came flying out of nowhere, then I noticed the scissor-tailed fly catchers in hot pursuit. One seemed to be riding the poor hawk. There was a scissor-tail nest nearby,  so while I feel bad for the hawk, I would imagine these were parents defending their nest.  I’m not sure that the hawk doesn’t have something in her talons. Click on pictures to enlarge. More red-tailed hawk pictures here. 

Red-tailed hawk nest

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We spotted this nest a while back. It’s pretty far back from the road and won’t be visible for much longer as the trees become fuller. This morning I was able to get a much better view from a different approach. I should note that I always stay very far back so as not to disturb them. Click on picture to enlarge.

Sharp-shinned hawk grabs dove at our feeder

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(Edited per Dave’s corrections–Thanks Dave!) A sharp-shinned hawk grabbed one of the mourning doves that hangs out at our feeder. I’m glad we didn’t actually see this happen, just the aftermath. We had just been talking about this pair of mourning doves and whether or not they might nest in our backyard this year. I know this is the way it works. Many raptors starve and they must take every opportunity to eat. It was just heartbreaking to see the surviving dove sitting in a nearby tree watching. Very sad. Click on pictures to enlarge.