One of our family traditions is eating fast food on Saturdays, usually while watching whatever sport is in season. Today was no exception, so while my husband (and home from college daughter) went to pick up some Five Guys Burgers and Fries, and my son selected his football game of choice, I went to the kitchen to get some drinks ready.
I had just set four glasses on the counter when I happened to glance out the window and saw a beautiful Red-shouldered Hawk perched on a branch near the edge of the yard. Leaving the glasses beverage-less (my family is used to my disappearing act) I grabbed my camera and headed to the deck.
Like me, I’m pretty sure this fellow had his mind set on some fast food, although I’d wager that his preference leaned more toward feathered or furry than fried.
Did you notice how he has one leg tucked up closer to his body. This is common for birds. They do this when they are trying to conserve heat, but also when they are simply resting or relaxing.
At one point he gave quite a loud screech,
and then shifted his weight and looked the yard over more carefully.
Getting a clear picture of him was not all that easy. I had to lie on my back on the deck floorboards with my head and shoulders slightly raised (think partial crunch!) to avoid the leaves and branches that were doing their best to block my view. I looked fairly ridiculous, but hey, I’m counting it as my workout.
As I scooched about trying to get the best camera angle, this handsome Hawk never seemed the least bit alarmed by my actions; still, he frequently fixed his gaze directly on me to assure me that he was very much aware of my presence.
I’m not sure if he ever got his fast food, but I enjoyed every bite of mine. Five Guys has the best burgers and fries!
Backyard Bird Nerd 
Wow! So glad you enjoy “working out” before your meal! Hehe! Beautiful shots, Kathy! My favorite is the second to last one! 😊
I liked that one too. 🙂
Great captures! What a treat that he came to you for this fantastic photo shoot!
Great shots! He’s gorgeous
Thanks…he was looking rather regal!
Wow, good thing you were too big for him to go after! That piercing look in his eyes! Great captures, Kathy.
I know, right!
Wow what amazing shots Kathy! Simply amazing! And I love your saturday dinner tradition. We order in every Friday evening. Usually pizza or Chinese 🙂
What a great workout you had Kathy! Wonderful captures – and he’s super gorgeous 🙂
He is handsome…and I figured by the time I was done, I had earned my fries!
I love your hawk, beautiful! Five Guys is also the best! 🙂
I thought of you when I saw him…you captured such beautiful Hawk pictures awhile back. 🙂
Awesome shots!
Thanks. Had any fun birds visiting your backyard lately?
LOVE! Birds of prey are special and I am thrilled when I see one. This guy is handsome and those eyes…. Thank you!
Those eyes are mesmerizing, eh?
He is magnificent — and so are your photos! Wow!!
I was so glad he didn’t fly away when I went out. He really was a handsome fellow. 🙂
I knew this would be a great post when you started out with Five Guys, and you did not disappoint! Great shots! Sometimes we have to get into wacky positions to get the great ones, but those looked like they were definitely worth it!
Hard to get a bad photo of such a handsome Hawk…and hard to get a bad burger from Five Guys! 🙂
Haha, so true on both counts! 😀
Beautiful!