Red-shouldered Hawk Territory

My most recent visit with the hawk pair was March 23rd and spanned nearly four hours. I could see that a hawk was incubating on the nest, but I couldn't see which hawk it was from where I normally watch.

So I walked across the leaves to the top of the neighboring driveway to get a better look and confirmed it was the female. In my previous position I could see her turning her head, watching movement in the yard. But when I stood in this spot, she stared at me intently.

Afraid she might leave the nest, I snapped a few images and retreated. When I returned to my previous location, she resumed looking around.

While I sit with the hawks I sketch and watch the other wildlife in the yard.

Squirrels and other birds are busy all around me. I wondered if one of the squirrels was any the wiser for his experience. He seemed to be missing some of his tail. On the other hand, I've now seen the speed of a strike and I'm sure no matter how alert the prey, the outcome lies in the skill of the hawk.
This stunning female cardinal landed on the dogwood in front of me while her mate or suitor sat on the roof over my head calling with steady 'beeps'. She hopped and turned and flared her crest into spikes.

And just as I was thinking, I'm not going to see the male hawk today, I looked beyond the cardinal and there he was, perched high in a tree to my back while I was sketching.
Next: Domestic duties, hawk style.

This post is part of a series on a nesting pair of red-shouldered hawks. To see the entire series click here.

Linked to Bird Photography Weekly #31 at Birdfreak.com to promote conservation of our world's birds.