Blog Author
gfreiherr
(view profile)
Recent Entries to this Blog Reflections on a Wedding
Posted: 02 Nov 2010
It's almost here!
Posted: 30 Sep 2010
I'm ready and waiting
Posted: 27 Sep 2010
The Wedding Planners
Posted: 14 Sep 2010
Spring fling in New Jersey
Posted: 31 Mar 2010

All Entries
 


A beautiful Red-tailed hawk

Category: Visitors in the garden | Posted: Fri Mar 05, 2010 11:20 pm

A very big first today...a Red-tailed hawk! I have never seen a hawk up close before today. I saw him swoop past the feeders and perch in a tree in the backyard. He had come through yesterday about the same time but I did not see him land. I grabbed the camera and ran outside with only socks on my feet and no jacket (it was 35f). There was still frost on the ground but I stayed out there until he left. I was on a mission. I kept inching closer, holding my breath so I would not scare him off.



Red-tailed hawk ( photo / image / picture from gfreiherr's Garden )


He had his back to me and then he turned and stared right at me...now I know why the birds are so afraid of them. I just froze in place with my camera clicking. I was able to get a step or two closer before he took off. He looked even bigger when he spread his wings. I am just thankful he flew away rather than towards me! I am also glad my camera was in auto mode so I could get off some quick shots. I was suprised I could get as close as I did.




Red-tailed hawk ( photo / image / picture from gfreiherr's Garden )





Red-tailed hawk March 2010 ( photo / image / picture from gfreiherr's Garden )

The Red-tailed hawk is 19-25 inches from head to tail with a wingspan of up to 54 inches.



Taking off ( photo / image / picture from gfreiherr's Garden )

Later in the afternoon I saw him soaring overhead. Just gliding around a enjoying a sunny day.





This blog entry has been viewed 1729 times
You're reading one of many blogs on GardenStew.com.
Register for free and start your own blog today.


Comments

 

eileen wrote on Fri Mar 05, 2010 11:28 pm:


WOW what unbelievably clear close-ups!! I wouldn't like to be a small bird with that steely gaze trained on me.
I hope you didn't get frost bite while taking your piccies.




 

daisybeans wrote on Fri Mar 05, 2010 11:37 pm:


Wowee! That's awesome! Really Gail!




 

Sjoerd wrote on Sat Mar 06, 2010 1:50 am:


What a wonderful series of that majestic bird.
I could look at him for hours.




 

Kay wrote on Sat Mar 06, 2010 1:55 am:


Oh Gosh! He kinda scares me just seeing him in pictures! I'll bet the other birds were quietly hiding! You sure do a great job of photography!




 

gfreiherr wrote on Sat Mar 06, 2010 2:47 am:


Appreciate all your comments. I was so excited to see the hawk so close. He was about 15 feet up in the tree and I got within 15 feet of that tree. When he turned his head and made eye contact, it was sort of scarey. I was glad I was seeing him through the viewfinder.




 

Accidental Gardener wrote on Sat Mar 06, 2010 3:08 am:


Last month I saw a raptor presentation, a husband and wife team from Chattanooga had everything from a bald eagle to a vulture. They had a red tailed hawk fly over the seated crowed just a few inches above our heads. Great show! Then last week I was sitting in my sunroom watching a feeding frenzy at my feeder when all of a sudden every bird just took flight and not a single one flew over the lake as many normally do. A minute later a red tailed hawk alit in my birch tree 15 feet away and began surveying the area. What a magnificent bird he was. I went for my camera but he was gone when I returned. I see them soaring over the water and woods but never had one land while I was watching. Great pictures Gail.





Leave a Comment


Login or register to leave a comment.