Checking out a few birding spots this morning I encountered the Red-tailed Hawk once again looking for prey and this time capturing it. The Red-tailed Hawk got a frog, chipmunk, and a very large insect while I observed from a distance. For the chipmunk, the Red-tailed Hawk sat in a tree near a fence. The chipmunk came out once and went right back into the tree trunk, knowing the hawk was present. The next time, a few minutes later the chipmunk came out the Red-tailed Hawk landed on it, spread it wings on the ground and held it down for a few minutes. The Red-tailed Hawk then flew off to a nearby tree and proceeded to have its meal. It does not always score but it had a good streak going while I was present. At one point it appeared to play with a piece of root, tossed it, pounced on it from 2 feet off the ground. Not sure what this was all about. Images were taken on July 29, 2015.
Warning: Some of the following images are graphic in nature and might be disturbing to some viewers.
Red-tailed Hawk with frog
Red-tailed Hawk with frog
Red-tailed Hawk with frog
Red-tailed Hawk with frog
Red-tailed Hawk with frog
Red-tailed Hawk with frog
Red-tailed Hawk waiting for the chipmunk!
Red-tailed Hawk with chipmunk, poor thing!
Red-tailed Hawk with chipmunk
Red-tailed Hawk with chipmunk
Red-tailed Hawk with chipmunk
Red-tailed Hawk with chipmunk
Red-tailed Hawk with chipmunk
I observed the Red-tailed Hawk tossing around what looked like a piece of root, flying a couple feet off the ground and pouncing on it
I observed the Red-tailed Hawk tossing around what looked like a piece of root, flying a couple feet off the ground and pouncing on it
Flying up and then pouncing
flying up and pouncing
Just looking around
Flying up with root in talon and then pouncing on it
Flying up with root in talon and then pouncing on it
Just pouncing around
Just pouncing around
Not sure what this was all about, an old gopher hole, but I never see gophers here
Not sure what this was all about, an old gopher hole, but I never see gophers here
Ready to takeoff for the next event!
Looks like a very good hunter. Thanks for sharing!
I enjoy all of your work, Jim – but this is some of your best, IMO. Superb light and timing. Just excellent. You’ve inspired me once again, as I’m heading up to the UP for some bird chasing and northern lights soon. Stay tuned! And TFS.
Those are jaw dropping pictures and you get the perfect shots. You must have lots of patience. Thanks again.
Jim, these are incredible photos of the Red-tailed Hawk in action….have never seen them up close, so this was a treat.
They are such superb hunters! Thanks for posting these, and enjoy the day!
Just fascinating! Thank you for sharing all these beautiful photos of what not many people get to see.
These pictures are outstanding Jim! The red-tailed hawk is a personal favorite of mine. Thanks for the great photography as always.
nice pics, didn’t know they ate frogs.
amazing! thank you for sharing!
Wow! These are amazing! These hawks are really such striking creatures. You really captured some beautiful shots of it! But that poor little chippie! I have observed a red tailed hawk with a woodchuck before. That was a sight! It tried to fly away and carry it, but it was too big/heavy.