Friday, September 16, 2011

Like a Hawk

(Click on the thumbnail for the bigger, better version)

Off and on for quite while, I had grieved over our loss of Betty. For a little history of Betty, see the Bitchin' Betty post. Finally, another hawk appears to have taken official ownership of Betty's perch on our roof. This fellow is big, aggressive, and appears rather young. Just this morning, I watched him drive another hawk of "his" fence south of the house. Yes, it seems this fine-feathered friend of ours has declared our fence his territory and that effectively makes the large open space west of our house his hunting ground.

Later, when I took this photograph, the hawk sat on the roof occasionally showing me those yellow eyes that you don't forget once you look into them. Periodically, he calmly checked on me, uttering that "guh-runk" I had never heard. If this fellow had let rip one of the shrieks for which these the Red- tailed Hawks are famous, I would have immediately abandoned my post. There is a reason that movie makers almost always use the screech of these hawks when they want any sort of raptor to curdle blood.

In spite of some interest in keeping track of me, this hawk was mostly attentive to signs of movement in the grass below. Eventually, when he flew away, he soared all the way to the edge of the road. That means his prey was at least one hundred yards away. Makes you think about that phrase watching like hawk.

8 comments:

  1. What a great photo! He seems to be looking right into the camera. If he sticks around there is no telling how many photos you can take. He's a wonderful subject. If you haven't thought of a name yet you can have a "Name That Hawk" contest. We did this with Emo when he was adopted. My choice of names for the hawk is "Homer" or "Tony" so I automatically disqualify myself.

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  2. I love birds of prey in general and this is a fine specimen done justice by your wonderful photographic talents. There are a good number of Red-tailed Hawks in NC so I'm familiar with their un-nerving screech. Very enjoyable post!

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  3. Nice image, Anita. I like having the soaring bird in the distance, really adds to the image for me.

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  4. Their eyesight is just incredible... makes you wonder what they could do if you could give them a camera :)

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  5. What a beautiful shot. I love the other bird in the background, too. What a handsome lad this hawk is. Absolutely gorgeous. Also, your texture treatment is spot on!

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  6. That's really cool this hawk let you get so close Anita. Ones that hang out around our house don't stick around for any photo ops.

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  7. Nice photo. This post gives me hope that we will have a new owl someday. (Hopefully soon.) I can attest to how piercing the eyes and call of a Red Tail are.

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  8. Anita, Hope that all is well! I know that fire season has come and gone so the air has finally cleared.

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Anita