Catch of the Day

A Red-Tailed Hawk

 

I haven't seen any "different" or unusual birds

around here for quite some time.

 

But today, I saw a lot of activity

at the top of a broken-off tree in the valley.

 

This Red-Tailed Hawk had apparently

made his "catch of the day".

 

 

After I went outside to get his picture,

he sat pretty still for quite a while.

 

I guess he was watching me too.

Of course, when I got tired of waiting

and picked up the camera to go inside,

he flew off carrying his prize.

 

It would have made a great picture.

I guess it is kind of like

the "big fish" that got away.



A Big Bird to Begin 2012

We were gone for about six weeks, and it took a little while for birds to start returning to my feeders, and slowly the usual Titmouse, Chickadees, Nuthatches and a variety of Woodpeckers have come back. 

However, yesterday I saw something large flying through the branches of the trees in the valley behind our home, and it actually landed in a tree within my view.  I believe it is as Broad-Winged Hawk.  Please correct me if I am wrong. 

Thank you, Kelly (Red and the Peanut).  I believe you are correct that it is a Red-Tailed Hawk.  I was looking more at his head and chest and completely overlooked those red tail feathers.

 

He seemed to enjoy resting..

...and preening

and just looking around in every direction.

Perhaps he was looking for lunch.

 

Maybe he even saw me too!

I was so glad he stopped by.