Red-shouldered balancing act.
Made it!
Red-shouldered Hawk Walking the Tightrope
Tag Archives: Red-shouldered Hawk
Red-shouldered Hawk, Lacy Background
Some greenery is starting to sprout but most leaves aren’t out enough to block the view of perched birds. This Red-shouldered Hawk was patiently waiting to spot his next meal in the pond below.
Red-shouldered Hawk Hunting
I was hoping to find Wood Ducks in this pond but instead found a Red-shouldered Hawk looking for a meal.
He snatched a snack coated with vegetation out of the water.
Then got his balance.
Then flew to this Wood Duck box with something that might have been a crawfish.
Red-shouldered Hawk Grooming
This Red-shouldered Hawk was having a grooming session right out in the open.
The RSHs frequently feed at the edge of the ponds which is probably how he got a wet chest.
It was interesting seeing him from below, which was the only angle I could get.
And his wing spread out.
He was intent on his personal care but I had no doubt he also knew every movement around the pond.
Red-shouldered Hawk Up Close
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.
Red-shouldered Hawk Day, Sighting 3
My third Red-shouldered Hawk sighting on Tuesday’s walk seemed less promising when I first spotted him in the distance.
I was on my way out and the path I was on crossed under his perch.
I got a close up view and then surprise!
I was focused on the hawk when he took off without warning and was pleased with getting a lift off sequence.
Red-shouldered Hawk Day, Sighting 2
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.
Red-shouldered Hawk Day, Sighting 1
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.
Red-shouldered Hawk
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
Red-shouldered Hawk, Calling
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
