Several images of one of my favorite birds, the Red-tailed Hawk. Several flight, prey capture, juvenile bird images.
Flight shot, late evening, hunting for prey
The business end of a hawk, their talons are used to capture prey and for fighting and defending territory. The talons curve around quite a bit, once they are locked in, prey cannot escape.
Very mature Hawk who has lots of damaged feathers from years of battling. The male defends the Hawk's territory, the female defends the nest. I have imaged this fellow several times, I call him "Scar" becaus eof his haggard appearance.
Hawk in flight.
Hawk in flight, 2 frames later than above
Hawk that I watched leave his perch and capture prey in dense brish, was able to capture a few images of him with his prey. Notice the Rat's look, the end is near.
"Scar" the Hawk in flight looking for a suitable perch for hunting near a large pasture.
Beautiful Hawk soaring, classic Buteo look.
Hawk on its morning hunt routine. Captured this from under a large tree to avoid the hawk looking directly at me. They dont like/aren't accustomed to faces/people.
Juvenile Red Tail Hawk that has been out by its parents, was following them hoping for a gift meal from them. He also learned about Eastern Kingbirds. They are fierce defenders of their territory and will pester and drive predators out of their area, as will other flycatchers.
Another image of Redtail after a successful hunt. The rat is looking at me for help.
Juvenile Red Tailed Hawk before the Eastern Kingbirds drove him off. It was very hot on this day and the antagonist birds had this fellow stressed, he is actually panting.
