Red-Tailed Hawk
While in Historic Smithville (in Burlington County, rather than Atlantic County), Rich spotted a red-tailed hawk. I initially thought I saw a rabbit or squirrel. Then, as I got closer with camera in hand, I realized it was a hawk with a squirrel! His outspread feathers were absolutely glorious!
As I got closer, it flew off with the squirrel! It landed in a field nearby. Rich told me I could approach it because it had its prey and would protect it. Normally, when I try to photograph a red-tailed hawk, it flies the moment I approach it (and I approach slowly and quietly). However, this guy did not move!
He watched me, with his head twisting more and more backwards (think Linda Blair in The Exorcist) to follow my every move.
As I slowly got closer to him, he continued watching me.
He looks quite displeased with me, like he’s going to attack me at any moment if I don’t leave him alone. My camera is not a force-field, so after taking a lot of photos, I left him.
July 27th, 2014 at 12:22 pm
These are gorgeous photos Gloria! I now, for the first time, really understand why they are called Red Tail Hawks.
July 27th, 2014 at 5:38 pm
Great photo’s and what a treat that you were able to get that close! It is a beautiful and majestic looking bird.
July 27th, 2014 at 10:10 pm
LOVE that last photo! I think he is worried you are going to steal his dinner. Or perhaps he’s worried if you got his best side. ;) Thanks for sharing.
July 28th, 2014 at 1:42 am
Thanks for the kind comments! Yes, Jeanne, it was something to be able to get close. Rich was right because he was sitting on that squirrel as if to say there is no way you are getting my meal!
July 30th, 2014 at 7:24 am
Gloria, these images are spectacular. Such beauty captured with you camera. I can see why you might want to create some paintings of them. Stunning colors and you can definitely see the hawk is not happy with you being that close to his kill. Beautiful work! Thanks for sharing.
July 31st, 2014 at 4:56 pm
Thanks Carole! :) I seem to be doing a lot more drawing, painting, and photography these days. Amazingly, I haven’t touched my sewing machine in over a year now. Hmmm …