Monday, October 21, 2013

Red-shouldered Hawk in the rain...and on our deck...

I love walking into our kitchen and seeing a Red-shouldered Hawk on the other side of the backdoor...

This Saturday a Red-shouldered Hawk dropped in to use the railing on our backyard deck to survey the yard for prey. 
It was drizzling out and cold, but I still had my side kitchen window open so I could listen to the birds as I worked in the house. I thought I had heard a hawk a little earlier but had dismissed it as a Blue Jay playing tricks. I'm sort of glad I hadn't paid closer attention, because there is nothing better than walking into the kitchen and being surprised by a sharp-taloned bird of prey right on the other side of the door! It doesn't matter how many times that happens, I'm still awestruck every time a hawk decides to use our deck railing as a hunting perch. This fellow was definitely in hunting mode. He was sitting exceptionally still staring at the ground between the ash and mulberry trees. I've seen voles and chipmunks running back and forth in that area often, so I assumed he had one of those furry little creatures in his sights. His glare was intense, and his concentration and posture suggested he was about to strike, but then he relaxed. I guess he decided it was all a false alarm and nothing tasty was about. He kept looking in that direction, though, so I decided to back out of the room and grab the camera.  

A Red-shouldered Hawk hunting in the rain.
Unfortunately, camera clicks don't impress hawks, so he quickly flew away nonplussed and emty-taloned. I felt guilty for disturbing him, but, you know...he was right on the other side of the kitchen door...and he was a Red-shouldered Hawk!

Our gorgeous Red-shouldered Hawk flew off in a huff to find another hunting perch. 

20 comments:

Elaine said...

Absolutely superb shots, Kelly! How exciting to see him perched so close!

Sue said...

Now that's a special visitor!

Roy said...

Great shots! And how lucky can you get, to find a hawk on your porch?

Bob Bushell said...

Beautiful Hawk Kerry, and I love the second one, fantastic.

Montanagirl said...

He really is a beauty. We haven't seen a hawk of any kind in our backyard for a long time. Really nice photos of him, Kelly.

Laure Ferlita said...

Chris and I were on our way home from errands yesterday when we say a rat run across FIVE lanes of traffic just ahead of us! (luckily there wasn't much traffic)

Then we saw the hawk abort his chance when he saw our vehicle approaching. Didn't have an opportunity to even id the guy, but I'm sure he was none too happy to have his dinner race away.

Cool shots!

Lois Evensen said...

How very gorgeous! Wonderful images!

I was so surprised to open our kitchen door one time and find a hawk standing there looking up at me as if asking to come in. I turned around to get my camera, but he didn't want to wait to have his picture taken.

Anonymous said...

Wonderful!

Terri Mappin (Terri Mappin Photography) said...

Beauty shots of a magnificent raptor! Thank you for sharing ... we don't get Red-shouldered hawks in Alberta, Canada!

Ana Mínguez Corella said...

Beautiful raptor.. Cheers..

TexWisGirl said...

those talons! they are such gorgeous birds.

Laura said...

magnificent, majestic visitor, wow!!!

Janice K said...

I bet you were wondering, "Is this really happening!" How neat! The pictures are fabulous!!

Kerri Farley said...

What a BEAUTY!

Banjo52 said...

Those talons! Gorgeous bird, great catch.

Our photos said...

Beautiful Hawk photos,Kerry!
Greetings, RW & SK

Michaela said...

Magnificent bird!

Tammie Lee said...

such a beautiful creature!

Kelly said...

Thanks, everyone! Our Red-shouldered Hawk has been back in the yard, but he hasn't perched on the deck railing while I've been in the kitchen again!

Sublime Birdy said...

Wow! Great pictures and what a special visit, the colors and power of the bird is simply amazing.