Even though I knew he was nearby I was still startled to see this Red-shouldered Hawk less than 10 feet (3 Meters) in front of me and at eye level.

My second Red-shouldered Hawk sighting on Tuesday’s walk was further off the path, but with no leaves on the trees I had a clear view.

This hawk was looking more put together than the bedraggled one from Sighting 1  and notice his tail is held tightly together.

The hawk was watching all around him, but with one foot up was pretty relaxed.

On my walk around Magnolia Plantation and Gardens yesterday I came upon three separate Red-shouldered Hawks just waiting to be photographed. This first one was perched over a small pond, looking like he’d just been for a swim.

He’s got what looks like duck weed stuck to his chest.

He was sitting with his tail somewhat fanned out, showing of the stripe on the underside.

Some preening and fluffing up made him look more bedraggled, at least temporarily.

This Red-shouldered Hawk at Magnolia Plantation took up a number of perches along the entry road, always showing me his same side.

The area he was watching is not running water but is always wet, likely home to some interesting lunches.

Every few minutes he moved 20 or 30 feet (6-8 Meters) and I did not see him try to catch anything.

Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, 12/08/2019

He had plenty to say, in bird talk, on this grey day.

And then he waited.

I moved on before he did.

Magnolia Audubon Swamp, Charleston, SC
December 17, 2019

Red-shouldered Hawks have become acclimated to human presence around the swamp and frequently will sit in trees just off the trail.

This one moved only his head as I passed by. The path curved around the tree so I was able to get a front view of this handsome bird.