Hawk!

A hawk finished its meal in one of the trees behind my yard yesterday and hung around for at least 30 minutes afterward.


Lucky break for me, as I got a chance to take several shots of this impressive bird!

***

I believe it's a juvenile red-tailed hawk, but please correct me if I'm wrong (and also tell me how you know -- I want to improve my bird ID skills).


At first I couldn't get a clear view, but it wasn't going anywhere so I eventually was able to move into a better position. (That's my photography strategy with animals: start taking photos while still far away and the angle is bad, then continue as you move into position. If you wait until you have the perfect shot before snapping, you may come away with no photos at all.)




It was clearly hunting again, even though it had just finished eating what seemed to be a small bird (although I couldn't really see, even with binoculars).




It's a bit unnerving to see it look right into the camera...




When it started staring me down, I decided it was time to put the camera away and go do some yardwork. Those eyes... yikes!

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Laurrie  – (April 14, 2013 at 8:02 AM)  

Wow, he is a handsome fellow indeed. Imperious, threatening and full of himself (if it's a male) Great shots.

Rock rose  – (April 14, 2013 at 8:20 AM)  

Those are wonderful photos. You must have a very steady hand.

Lisa  – (April 14, 2013 at 11:20 AM)  

Excellent photos! And since hawks are known to be territorial, this one may become "your hawk"!

And my guess would also be red-tail. But my bird ID skills are elementary at best!

petalpower  – (April 14, 2013 at 4:45 PM)  

If your hawk is a redtail, it's a juvenile. We have a redtail that hunts in our yard and the tail really is reddish-brown.
I've been interested in your posts about heucheras. I've tried 3 or 4 types, but they decline quickly and disappear after a couple of years. Maybe the Wisconsin winters are just too much for them.

Salty Pumpkin Studio  – (April 14, 2013 at 4:47 PM)  

Great photos!

How I identify a red tail hawk..if the hawk doesn't look like a marsh hawk (lighter in color).

Barbie  – (April 15, 2013 at 6:57 AM)  

Oh WOW!!!! Got some fantastic shots of it! The one glaring at you - hmmm what as he thinking?

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