A while back I got a few images of a distant hawk with streaked breast before
it took off. No one thought I had enough information to make a call. This
morning, I saw what might be the same hawk at a range of about 300 feet as I
was about to emerge from the shadow of a partially downed mulberry. I reached
quickly for my camera, thinking I had my usual 5 seconds before it took off. ….
It didn’t take off. Apparently, I was in deep enough shadow that it couldn’t
see me. It was hunting from a power line and kept its wings partially
outstretched for balance. I snapped a bunch of pictures. Looked at a few to see
what I had. Looked back up and it was gone….but it only flew to the nearest
pole. It did some preening. Dropped to the ground in pursuit of prey, then
returned to the pole empty. After so long, I decided to try approaching closer.
I began counting steps as I emerged from shadow. Three steps and it was gone.
When I got to the garden gate I looked back and it had returned to the same
pole.
Pretty sure its identity is immature Red-shouldered Hawk.
https://ebird.org/checklist/S117700728 ;<https://ebird.org/checklist/S117700728>
Frank Lyne
frank@xxxxxxxxxxx - near Dot in Logan County, KY
