Hawk Scavenging

Red Tailed Hawk gathering nest material, Central California. I've been keeping an eye on this pair of Red Tailed Hawks for almost a year now (at least, I assume they're the same), have gotten countless photos of them, and have seen some pretty awesome behavioral interactions between them. This morning to my surprise I discovered them making a nest. Seems a bit out of season, but only time will tell.

This is a shot of one as it landed on the ground nearby to grab this twig. On another occasion, one took off from the ground twenty feet away, flew directly at me, extended her talons towards me, then grabbed a branch hanging down from a tree before heading off in another direction (got my heart racing that's for sure).

I posted another in the Avian Gallery

Greg, the two images are wonderful and it may provide even more opportunities in the near future as it seems you have honed in on their nesting area possibly. Nothing more worthy a creature in the avian world then any of the beautiful raptors such as this one here.

Greg,

This tells a great story and what a great capture. Such a beautiful bird too. I've always loved the redtail.

Lon

Beautiful sharp images. Well done. They are beautiful birds. Thanks for posting here. I rarely look in on the avian gallery, so it is great to see.

Beautiful bird! Great dof too.

Thanks folks. I went back this morning for some more action, and got another fun show.
http://www.naturephotographers.net/imagecritique/ic.cgi?a=vp&pr=134753

Another wonderful capture, Greg.

nice one Greg. a difficult shot pulled out nicely.

What a healthy looking specimen and nice back story as well.