A Bad Hair Day?

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.