It looks that way. But actually, I think she's just had a bath.
Though I should be accustomed to it now, I still marvel at the silence of a Red-shouldered hawk's movements. It's not that I'm doing nothing while waiting for hawk activity. I may be photographing other birds or working on a sketch.
But I keep watch over the roof line and the tree limbs and I listen. There was nothing hawk-like happening, or so I thought. In the next minute a loud piercing call filled the air. I looked around and there she was perched on the roof. How long had she been there?
Still feeling some unease, I picked up the camera and started shooting. It's certain that is how it is most of the time. They see me well before I notice them. 
On the other hand, it felt nice to be treated like scenery again. I took a good look at her through the lens and couldn't help but whisper, "Look at you, you're all wet!" Hawks bathe just like other birds, but the change in their appearance is more dramatic!
Time to get this mess preened up.
The nestling is ready to fledge any day now. I visited the nest today and briefly heard a nestling call softly. I wish I could show you an image, but I couldn't locate him through all the leaves. I think it's likely he was on a branch near the nest. Whether I'll see him fledge or after he fledges will be a matter of luck and timing. But I'll be sure to give you a final report.To see my previous posts on this family of Red-shouldered hawks, click the link.
I've never seen such an image before- a hawk, wet from bathing. Comical for sure. I can't tell you how much I've enjoyed this series Vickie. These are views I'll most likely never have.
ReplyDeleteThank you-
I'm so glad you've enjoyed it, Lynne. And I'm glad I knew about blogging so I could share it.
ReplyDeleteI feel so grateful, both to the hawks for what they've shown me, and to my friends who have shared their yards and homes so I could spend time with these hawks. An unforgettable experience.
Wow, I've never seen anything like a wet hawk, either! The change in appearance is dramatic, for sure. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteAwesome, Vickie! Thanks so much for sharing this amazing life-cycle!
ReplyDeleteWOW, Vickie, those are fabulous shots of the hawk! I've never seen one so close! Thank you so much for capturing these and sharing them with us. Priceless!!
ReplyDeleteHey there. I've had days like this.
ReplyDeleteoften.
It was good seeing you again.
Lyn
I am amazed at your drawing skills. The bad hair day picture and painting look very much alike.
ReplyDeleteI think you should take all your photos and sketches and paintings of the hawks and put together a slide presentation. The photos after the bath are awesome. Not a site we would usually see.
ReplyDeleteHa...that hawk sure looks funny after is bath...the head looks so tiny..
ReplyDeletegreat shots Vickie.
Hi Vickie:
ReplyDeleteGreat site. I have also been watching nesting Red-shouldered hawks from my backyard in Marietta, Ga. Lots of drama. See one of my amateur videos. I plan on putting together a narrative multimedia story like yours, but not in real time.
Thanks for your comments everyone! I've equally enjoyed sharing these hawks with you.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Leonard for your comments and your link. Terrific video of black birds striking a red-shouldered hawk while feeding young on the nest. The assumption is that the hawk has just raided a black bird nest. Look forward to more!
Vickie what an amazing opportunity! I know I was surprised the first time I saw a Cooper's hawk take a bath. I only thought song birds did that! What a wonderful subject you have to paint there!
ReplyDelete