This Red-shouldered Hawk kept a vigilant watch while he snarfed down lunch, his head was swiveling all around.
I hadn’t seen him land so didn’t know what he might be eating.
I was rather surprised when I developed these photos that it was a snake and at the way it was coiled up under his feet.
From a little further down the path the background was nicer and the snake out of view.
Click any photo for a larger view/close up of the snake.
Taken February 22, 2017.
Beautifully detailed shots.
Thank you, Belinda!
stunning images, especially love the last picture, thanks for sharing
Thank you. I’m glad you enjoyed them
I used to live in the woods on a small lake. I fed lots of birds, there were times when I’d have finch irruptions, the feeders and ground alive with birds I was so popular. My bird feeder also turned out to be a ‘bird of prey feeder’ for I had a red shouldered hawk who would pick off my lovelies.
One morning, sitting with coffee in hand, peacefully meditating on my birds, Dark Eyed Juncos, feeding on the ground…you know the rest. I was startled out of my reverie…was upset but it is part of life.
Hawks are quick to catch on when prey gathers and it can be surprising to actually see it happen.