On Thursday, I felt a bit sad that I would only have this picture to share today.
Despite seeing this sign on my recent venture to Weston Bend State Park:
A bit frustrating to go on a trail with a sign like this and not see a single bird! Okay, I did see a few birds flitting about really high in the trees. Much too high to identify. And heard a few calls as well. However, I did not photograph a single bird on my hike!
The rest of the week was busy with work and Halloween. Thursday afternoon, I opened the door to check on the little gray cat. And noticed a large bird sitting on the utility pole across the street.
I knew it was a hawk but it looked different from the Cooper’s hawks I frequently see.
The coloring wasn’t the same. And of course, the bird moved to a street light a bit further away while I ran inside to grab the camera. He, at least, stayed somewhat in camera range.
I ran in to see if my husband knew what kind of hawk sat on the pole. No idea. So I grabbed my phone and put the info in the bird app.
A Red Shouldered Hawk listed as uncommon for our area!
And so back outside I ran, taking photos and sharing with any poor passing soul (waving to our mailman) about how there’s a red-shouldered hawk over there! It’s uncommon for our area!
Occasionally, he’d swoop down and away. Then, he’d return and I’d snap a few more pictures.
Though the songbirds remained mostly silent and still, I heard a rare peep from a sparrow. One bold bird taunted the hawk. My camera wouldn’t zoom far enough to pick it up but I think it was either a Blue jay or a mockingbird. The hawk merely looked annoyed as though it were a fly on the wall.
I felt so lucky to spend my afternoon observing and photographing such a beautiful bird!
Linking this post up with Bird Depot hosted by Anni over at I’d Rather B Birdin’. Make sure to visit and check out all the amazing bird photos on her blog!