Dave, thank you for your comment. This red-tailed hawk is a juvenile I've been watching (from a distance) for awhile. On this particular day I was in a local wetlands area, and I saw it stoop for the unfortunate rabbit (hare?). I fell on some ice scrambling to get a look. I approached and this hawk was not going to give up its victim, even when I got very close. It was facinating to see it raise its hackles and go through various manuevers and gestures. I moved around it, and it moved, also. It was an amazing experience, and it made me realize just how strong their hunting instinct is: refusing to relinquish prey or retreat, even with the approach of danger. I took some photos and retreated because I didn't want to intrude too much, and I let nature take its course.
Brian M.
Dave
25-Dec-2003 12:29
Nice job! Red Tails are so people-shy. How did you get the photos? Did the bird turn around and give you different angles?
