Camera Critters: Close Encounter With A Hawk

While hawks are a protected species, they are nonetheless quite shy in our area and it is extremely difficult to get close enough to one for a decent still photograph.  One may sometimes see them quite close when they are driving backcountry roads, but they usually fly when the vehicle stops.

One gave me a brief photographic opportunity this week, when I came upon him as he was eating what appeared to be a small rodent.  As my vehicle approached, he flew from the ground to a nearby hay bale with his prey, finished eating it.and then flew away.

Red-tailed Hawk-? Probably some other species, but it is a large bird!

Hawk Consumes Remnants Of Prey

Hawk Prepares To Fly Away

I did get a photo of him in flight, but unfortunately it was not sharp enough to use.  As best as I can tell this is a Red-tailed Hawk, but I am not an expert on these birds and welcome being corrected if I am wrong.
 

For more Camera Critters photographs, click Here!

Originally posted at Pennsylvania Wildlife Photographer by Willard Hill