Lucky break for me, as I got a chance to take several shots of this impressive bird!
I believe it's a juvenile red-tailed hawk, but please correct me if I'm wrong (and also tell me how you know -- I want to improve my bird ID skills).
At first I couldn't get a clear view, but it wasn't going anywhere so I eventually was able to move into a better position. (That's my photography strategy with animals: start taking photos while still far away and the angle is bad, then continue as you move into position. If you wait until you have the perfect shot before snapping, you may come away with no photos at all.)
It was clearly hunting again, even though it had just finished eating what seemed to be a small bird (although I couldn't really see, even with binoculars).
It's a bit unnerving to see it look right into the camera...
When it started staring me down, I decided it was time to put the camera away and go do some yardwork. Those eyes... yikes!
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Wow, he is a handsome fellow indeed. Imperious, threatening and full of himself (if it's a male) Great shots.
ReplyDeleteThose are wonderful photos. You must have a very steady hand.
ReplyDeleteExcellent photos! And since hawks are known to be territorial, this one may become "your hawk"!
ReplyDeleteAnd my guess would also be red-tail. But my bird ID skills are elementary at best!
If your hawk is a redtail, it's a juvenile. We have a redtail that hunts in our yard and the tail really is reddish-brown.
ReplyDeleteI've been interested in your posts about heucheras. I've tried 3 or 4 types, but they decline quickly and disappear after a couple of years. Maybe the Wisconsin winters are just too much for them.
Great photos!
ReplyDeleteHow I identify a red tail hawk..if the hawk doesn't look like a marsh hawk (lighter in color).
Oh WOW!!!! Got some fantastic shots of it! The one glaring at you - hmmm what as he thinking?
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