I had left the Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge in Oklahoma when I saw this Red-tailed Hawk standing in the grass. It was busy feeding on something and was ignoring the vehicles going by. I stopped in the road and began photographing this hawk. A short time later, a loud car came by and scared the Red-tailed Hawk off.
The Red-tailed Hawk (Buteo jamaicensis) is a bird of prey native to North America. They are medium to large sized hawks and are easily recognized by their distinctive rusty-red tail feathers. Red-tailed Hawks are widespread and can be found in a variety of habitats, from open fields to deserts and forests. They feed on small mammals, birds, and reptiles, and are known for their keen eyesight and powerful talons. Red-tailed Hawks are not considered endangered, and are protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act.
When on the ground, Red-tailed Hawks often stand tall and proud, with their feathers puffed out to make them look larger. This helps them intimidate potential predators, such as coyotes or foxes, and protects their territory. They may also use this stance to scan the area for food or to communicate with other hawks in the area.
Gazing upon a Red-tailed Hawk standing amid the verdant blades of grass is a surreal experience, inducing feelings of both wonder and bewilderment. This bird of prey, native to North America, commands attention with its formidable size and striking rusty-red tail feathers. It’s almost as if it stands tall, puffing out its feathers to create an aura of regality, as if to say “behold, I am the ruler of this domain”.
One cannot help but be awestruck by the power and grace embodied by this species, capable of feasting on small mammals, birds, and reptiles with unrivaled precision and agility. The Red-tailed Hawk’s reputation as a symbol of strength is only further solidified by its protected status, upheld by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act.
As you stand there, marveling at the sheer magnificence of the Red-tailed Hawk, you can almost feel its piercing gaze scanning the landscape for signs of prey, or perhaps communicating with other hawks in the vicinity. In that moment, you are truly in the presence of something magnificent, a living embodiment of the wild and untamed beauty that defines nature.
Gear Used:
- Camera: Canon EOS R5
- Lens: RF 800mm F11 IS STM
Technical:
- Location: Near Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge (Oklahoma)
- Date and Time Taken: January 8, 2023 (12:33 P. M.)
- Exposure Mode: Manual
- Aperture: f11 (Fixed)
- Shutter speed: 1/800
- ISO: 400 (Auto)
- Focal Length: 800 mm (Fixed)