Red Tail Behaviour

I was at the Pt. Vincente Interpretative Center, when I noticed two red tail hawks chasing one another, twisting and turning almost colliding with each other. I thought this was unusual so I went to the truck to get my camera of course expecting them to be gone when I returned. They weren't and when I got a look at the pair in the 300mm I noticed the bird being chased was holding prey in it's talons, what at first I thought was a rabbit, but in one frame I saw a bushy tail it was definitely a squirrel. I had posted this on the Critique gallery but it was suggested I move the image to the Forum. I'm not a bird photographer per se, but I thought this was a neat behavior. I know some raptors have aerial mating displays could this have been an example?

Nikon D300 300mm

Paul, thanks for sharing this behavior. Based upon your description I'd say it was a mating behavior prey exchange...and you are very lucky to have witnessed it (as well as to have the opportunity to photograph it). Did you witness any exchange of prey in mid-flight?

No unfortunately, they disappeared behind the headlands and did not reappear. I do not know if they nest on cliffs but there are certainly plenty of high cliffs on the Palos Verdes Peninsula.

Paul