Red-shouldered Hawk

Just around the corner from the Painted Buntings we spied this Red-shouldered Hawk, two actually, and a nest.  The nest was not so high off the ground, much closer than any I'd seen before.  The hawks seem unperturbed by the people on the boardwalk and went about their hunting and feeding business.

Return of the Lens

Colors and Textures of Morning

I went back over to Hildacy Farm Preserve this morning hoping to get a better look at the Red-shouldered Hawks.  I saw the hawks,  red grass and a red fox.  The fox was a bit too far away and the morning a bit too dark for a good photo but the hawk, you can see, was very compliant.  I should also mention the sunrise was intensely red.  I hoped to get a good view at the Preserve but by the time I arrived the sun was smothered by the overcast sky.  The rest of the day has been 40 and drizzly so I'm glad I made use of the "bright" nice part of the day.  And it was nice with frost on the ground and no glaring sun to blot out the subtle colors and textures of winter.  (Which it still is despite the lack of obvious indications...like snow.)

Hildacy Farm Preserve

I took an impromptu walk around Hildacy Farm Preserve today.  Olivia missed the bus so it was the perfect opportunity to sneak in a walk.  (Olivia preferred to sit in the car doing math homework so I was on my own.)  I saw three hawks making a huge racket.  I think all three were Red-shouldered Hawks like this guy (last photo) but they were back lit so I can't be sure.  It's not the best photo but it's the best I got for today and it helped me confirm my id so here it is.  I also saw the shaggiest deer I can ever remember seeing.