I had an opportunity to get up close and personal with a juvenile red-tailed hawk.
They are magnificent creatures.
both up close and in the sky,
although I far prefer to see them flying free.
We have three juvenile hawks in Holler skies now.
They fly closer to us than the adults,
Red Tails don’t develop the characteristic red-tail until their first year molt,
and their feather colors can vary from quite dark to very light.
Cheers to you from the Red-Tail-Kids~
Outstanding! 😉
Awww, honored, thank you & cheers too Cynthia~
Stunning 🙂
They are incredible creatures aren’t they!
Beautiful birds.
They really are!
You will eventually transform you into a bird … !!! In view of the love you devote them … !!!
What a wonderful thought, and I sure hope so! Cheers to you~ <3
Make a wish …!!!
Doing it now…….
These are stunning. What an opportunity for you.
Yes, to see them up-close and take them flying was thrilling.
Woah… Absolutely stunning. Very beautiful birds 🙂
I straight out love them! <3
The hawks in flight are amazing to see. 🙂
The juveniles are especially interesting because they come closer and are more interactive, ie., they call back and forth with you if you imitate their calls well.
Wow, gorgeous, Cindy!
Awww thank you, and so pleased you enjoyed them Susan!
“Eyes of a hawk” indeed! Great pictures Cindy (as always).
You are a dear friend, my friend. <3
What a magnificent bird, Cindy.
Leslie
Yes! Incredible creatures~ <3
Wow Cindy, they are amazing beautiful 😀
Aren’t they gorgeous. Very hard for me to understand how some people could hate them~
Yes they are Cindy. We must enjoy the ones, who still are alive. In many places they get killed by poison or shot, which I find so very sad.
Great pictures! And mystery solved – on a few occasions (when I didn’t have a camera handy) I’ve seen a large unidentified hawk. Doing research latter I couldn’t figure it out. Well, it’s because most pictures are of adults – they were juvenile redtails.
Yes, it is very confusing! Add on to the variation in color and the similarities with Swainsons Hawks and Ferriginous Hawks, and it is very easy to mix them up! I do it all the time~
Stunning photos Cindy 👍😃
Ahhh, so kind! <3
Magnificent photos! Wow!
Awwww, so appreciated! <3
Thank you very much, Cindy, for your spectacular pictures and explanations about hawks.😀
Thank you for such thoughtful and kind words!
I love starting out a brand new week by stopping by for a visit. I always feel refreshed. May we spread our wings and look to the sky! Hugs..
You and I understand each other Rebecca. I just found out my Barton are relatives settled all over Canada. I knew about Nova Scotia but not about the extent of their Canadian expansion. No wonder I love Canada so much and keep going back every year, and no wonder you and I share many similar values. We are probably related!!! 😉 😉
I think that we were separated at birth, Cindy!!! Life’s greatest enjoyment is to know that we are not alone…
They are amazing and so majestic! Beautiful shots 🙂
I am so pleased you like them! Thank you & cheers to you~
Always a pleasure visiting your great posts! 🙂
I consider these types of birds to be one of my totem animals….what amazing photos Cindy!!! Thank you!!
I like people who relate to hawks on a mystical level. I certainly do! <3
Absolutely fabulous! How I envy you to be in such close proximity of something so beautiful. We had a buzzard come calling at our bungalow, who was rather partial to smoked bacon. He’d sit on our front wall by the kitchen window and stare in. We called him Claude, and always recognised him in flight as he had a notch in his wing.
WOW! That’s amazing! We have buzzards in the sky, but they would never come so close. I wonder why Claude did?
His preferred perch was on a lamp post that was in line of sight of our property. I threw some rind out for some other birds, and he just swooped on it. I’ve got pictures of him somewhere on our garage roof, and managed to get within several feet of him. We came home one day and he was sitting on our fence post, but we think someone frightened him away as for no reason at all he stopped coming, though we could identify him when he was in flight so knew he was OK. He had some beautiful markings.
Isn’t this amazing and wonderful. Essentially you developed a relationship with a wild creature that knew you and trusted you. Wild animals are so much smarter than we want to acknowledge. They do assessments of people and behave towards them in accordance with this assessment. I think being trusted by a wild creature has to be one of the biggest honors on our planet.
Ahhh. We have these Hawks all around The Burg. I just love them.
Thank you so much more for appreciating the unfairly maligned hawks! <3
How wonderful to get to see this gorgeous hawk this close. Magnificent photos of the hawk in flight! The clarity is incredible… Thank you for sharing with us, Cindy! 🙂
You Amy are a lovely friend. Thank you ma ‘deah and be well! <3 <3
:0 <3 <3
Amazing photos… the red tails frequent our neighborhhood… I see them enjoying the thermals way up high… but they won’t come down to my level for a photo!
Aren’t they amazing when they do this! They hang motionless, buffeted and held in place by the wind. Spectacular! This is what the hawk in photo 4 is doing.
They are magnificent creatures. Right next door from my residence, a whole community of red-tail hawks roost up on 500 ft. Mt. Solo. They ride the updrafts which sweep over the steep slopes from the Pacific Ocean. There’s lots of other raptors here too, like Cooper’s hawks, several species of falcons and owls, bald eagles, and a somewhat unwelcome newcomer – a few golden eagles. These latter arrivals regularly steal food from red-tails in mid-flight (the aerial dogfights are spectacular to watch), and they nearly attacked me once.
Oh is sounds like heaven for raptor lovers like me! We have the Coopers and falcons too, great horned owls, and now two bald eagles. No Goldens which I would love to see more of. When I see the red-tails get harrassed, I take much umbrage at this!! Especially when the murders of ravens go after them. I have to remind myself not to take sides!!! 😉 😉
Phenomenal photos! We have some hawks that nest every year on our land – they are the noisiest neighbors! And I do have to keep an eye on our little dog, who would be a morsel for one of them.
Yes, your doggie would be in danger. I notice the juveniles are especially noisy. They are constantly calling back and forth and crying. They will call back and forth with you too, if you join in!
Spectacular photos!
I am honored. Thank you!
I’m going to comment here, there are about a zillion remarks already! Those photos of the juveniles flying are so darn good! Well done.
These are amazing and so are the photos of them in flight! Thanks Cindy! 🙂
Ahhh, thank you! Makes me happy I posted~
I have these beauties living in my neighborhood. I’m in a small town in the mid-Atlantic where mature trees and a preserve are nearby. They’ve even come into my garden to hunt. They are remarkable. Great images…
I am so glad to find red-tail hawk appreciaters. They have been so maligned and hunted for no good reason. They are just magnificent creatures to watch and I am happy you are able to do this!
Majestic series, Cindy. Thank you. : )
Awww, thank you more for appreciating them!
Cheers to you, Cindy, for showing off this magnificent bird! What a beauty!
Thank you Resa. Heading up to Canada soon, the west coast, to hang out with the fuzzy-wuzzy-grizzly bears!!! Can’t wait. Hope you are on a break now from your movie~
Got home last night!
Stunning, beautiful, and breath-taking! Lovely photos!
😀
It takes a beautiful <3 to appreciate a beautiful creature~
Wow to the beauty of the birds and your skill getting the aerial photos. It seems whenever I get one in frame they dive and oops lost the shot again.
Laughing, yes! There is this exercise I used to do in groups called, “What’s the worst you call yourself?” to help people become aware of how they may unconsiously put themselves down and who these messages may have come from. When I am messing up bird in-flight photos, these messages are flying through my brain like lightening! 😉
Gorgeous birds. They have such fierce eyes and beaks. I love the predatory birds that fly over our forests. Just magnificent 🙂
That is exactly what they are, wise and magnificent creatures!
Cindy, these are so beautiful, absolutely stunning photographs. I’ve never seen the underside of the wings, such detail and graceful. The most evocative ones though I find are those close to the head, the hawk’s eye studying, as if looking straight into ones soul. Thank you so much for sharing!
The hawk-eye that penetrates to the human soul. Beautiful, and so true too! They do look at you as if they are seeing the core of you. Many wild creatures do this. Thank you for articulating this so beautifully Annika~
Used to have to rescue these guys (red-shouldered/red-tailed) first few broods in our yard were successful, then the babies didn’t branch…one time momma and daddy had five babies…first dad disappeared…then poor momma.
Were you successful at rehabbing them or did you call wild life rescue? I know the mortality rate for fledglings is astromically high, which is why it is unusual to see three juveniles in the sky at once. I sincerely hope they all make it and start breeding.
We had red-tails living in the ‘hood a couple of years ago. A young’un perched on our roof dived at my head as I walked out the backdoor but flew away when he saw a larger body attached. Thank goodness I didn’t get taloned.
Exciting isn’t it!! My physician got dive bombed twice. He made the national news the first time and required many stiches. Essentially he walked repeatedly under a nest during breeding season. I remember being dived bombed by harrier hawks in Patagonia and just laughing with such exhiliration. I was prepared with a hat and long sleeves and glasses, plus I ducked and got the heck out of Dodge. They do give you warning dives which the prudent respect. If they catch you unaware, it would definitely get your full attention!
Now you know why I wear a hat. 🙂
Nice captures. They are so sleek in flight. 🙂
You are so smart Graham! You have goshawks flying around and other raptors, so you can’t be too careful! 😉 Did you ever read the book, “Hawk,” by a Cambridge lit prof? It was about her efforts training a Goshawk in the UK. It is a phenomonal read.
I’ve been trying to get around to that for ages but you know how time flies. 🙂
So beautiful theeand birds! The pattern underneath their wingspan is beautiful.
Aren’t they stunning creatures, as if designed for us to gaze up upon!
Yes! And lucky for me you’ve taken pictures for us to enjoy!
I’m in love, what a magnificient creature… thank you so much for the close up…
You and me both, in love with the beautiful hawks! <3
Awesomeness! Just amazing!
Ahhh, I’m honored. Thank you.
Terrific!! They look so healthy and well looked after 😎
Yes! I noticed this too and unlike their elders they have no missing feathers or other signs of battle.
Wow! How cool is that!
Pretty cool aren’t they! I love ’em~
Spectacular!!
Merci beaucoup mon ami!
<3
Beautiful striking photos, especially the third one.
Thank you! They are beautiful creatures, both close up and far away~
You are so lucky and fantastic images. We have a pair that nest every year, over the pond at the end of the road, and I love to hear them “SKWEEEE!”
Yes, their cries are so distinctive and you can join in if you choose and if they know who you are. The juveniles are even more vocal and have yet to develop the adult cadenced cry~
I didn’t know that, Cindy. That explains why I have heard them so much recently. I guess the teenagers are acting up… 🙂
What a beautiful bird, Cindy! It must have been great to see the bird in front of you, and then fly!
Yes it was, then to fly back to the glove. Amazing, but I wanted to set him free!
Yes, that is always a dilemma, isn’t it?
Just lovely Cindy…wow..what a gorgeous bird😍😍😍
Yes! I agree with you! <3
I love our avian friends😍😘we have some tuxedo birds (who like to take a swim in our pool😹) I’ve been trying to photograph for weeks now but they r apparently camera shy–guess they loathe the paparazzi😳🙄😱
What stunning shots…beautiful bird…what a great opportunity!!
It was pretty amazing to touch this incredible creature, although I wanted to set him free~
That is so cool that you get a chance to get close to this magnificent bird. I would love to see that close and even want to hold it ( I am sure that is too far). Beautiful shots of the flying ones.
They are wonderful to have “on fist” and you would love it. They fly back to the glove as well.
Wow that is great!
The bird is full of grace and power! Thanks for sharing, Cindy… 🙂
They are magnificent creatures aren’t they~
Absolutely!
Awesome photos of this beautiful creature.
Thanks so much! Makes me glad I posted~
Such splendid creatures!! And you’ve got some dandy photos here, Cindy. Gee, just looking at those claws and beaks makes me shudder, ha!
And they are not even full grown yet. Their claws will get longer!
I wonder if they know they are beautiful or does it matter to them?
Interesting question. They have this haughtiness to them, but I suspect it has to do more with their flying and predatory skills more than their looks.
Yes I figured such
<3
Wow. That color – simply stunning. You’ve got yourself some really impressive shots here!!
Well thank you and I am very pleased you enjoyed them~
Just beautiful…Cindy…:-)
Mille grazie!
The last photo makes it look fierce and angry, like he’d rather rip out your eye than look at you. 🙂 I’ve never seen them up real close. The pictures are amazing shots, and they seem like powerful birds.
Even “trained” raptors never lose their wildness. They never warm up to being a pet with a person. At the most they are indifferent to their captors, but I sensed some hatred there too. They want to be free. In the sky, living free, they can be very interested in a person as long as the person lives in their territory without many other people to annoy them.
Very interesting information. They’re awesome creatures.
<3
Beautiful plumage! Thanks for these close-up images. They remind me of the time I spent up close to Red Tail Hawks and other raptors when I volunteered at a rehabilitation center. The other times I’ve seen them close up is when I was high up in the mountains. The seem to fly so low but then I had to remind myself that it only seems this way because I was high up in elevation! 🙂
Your rehab work must have been fascinating and I love the description of meeting them at higher altitude. I never thought of this, but The Holler is on a mountain, so the raptors are often flying at eye level, which maybe why they come closer to us.
Wow love these pictures, you were so close you could even touch him. Have a nice day Cindy
And fly them which was amazing, although I wanted to free them!
You made me gawk at this magnificent hawk!⊙ ⊙ﻌﻌﻌﻌ(*◎ｖ◎*)
You should hear the hawk’s talk when I mock their squawks, this would really make you gawk! ⊙ ⊙ﻌﻌﻌﻌ(*◎ｖ◎*)
(•ө•)♡
Thanks for sharing these beautiful shots. 🙂
Thank you more for appreciating them!
Grossartige Bilder !!! Herzlichen Dank fürs zeigen…
Vielen Dank, dass Sie mehr fur Ihre Wertschatzung Ernst! <3
Wow… Great looking bird…
Yes, gorgeous critter!
beautiful pictures of magnificent birds.
Awww, thank you my friend and be well~
As usual, just stunning pics. The birds are amazing.
So kind of you and so appreciated too! Thank you~
They’re gorgeous, gorgeous birds, aren’t they? Fantastic pics you took. Excellent work.
Yes, they are stunning creatures, both at a distance and up close. Thank you for your kind thoughts~ <3
So gorgeous! Great shots, Cindy/. 🙂
So pleased you enjoyed them & cheers to you!
I wondered when I’d hear about the red-tails, Cuz. This/these young-uns are simply gorgeous. Were they at a vet’s office or a falconry ? 🙂
Good guesses. It’s a guy who trains hawks and uses them to control seagulls at local businesses. He also flies with them while para-sailing above Black’s Beach in La Jolla and films it!
knock out photographs, amazing and awesome!
I am honored! Thank you sincerely~ <3
<3
I agree that it is a magnificent bird and your photos are really wonderful!
My blogging friends are the nicest people, thank you & cheers too! <3
Beautiful and magnificent! One thing Wolfie won’t be having for dinner though!
Laughing, it’s good to know there are some creatures even Wolfie can’t catch!!
Hawk is one of my totems. I just love the raptors. We only have Pueo owls and the I’o or Hawaiian hawk here. I miss the range of raptors on the mainland US, but not enough to return ;*( Aloha, Cindy.
I hear you and I understand! I have loved all raptors since I was a kid.
😀
Stunning and I agree…fly free.
Free is the way to be, and protected too!
Those red tail kids are so cute, Cindy. Their eyes look so clever and expressive. I know they are scary with powerful beak and claws. I think they sense how we feel, like horses and dogs do. What a wonderful set of photos! 🙂
They are such complicated creatures, elusive and hard for us to understand, which is why I love them so. Cheers to you Robin and thank you my friend~
Gorgeous shots!
I am honored. <3
Such a beautiful bird! Nice shots, Cindy!
I am happy with the hawks above me in the sky!
Thank you for sharing these beautiful pictures of those magnificent birds.
Awww, thank you so much more for appreciating them Charles <3
Oh Cindy, those wing spans must have left you stunned! I just can’t imagine. xx
And they aren’t even full grown. They are awesome creatures. Be well my friend~ <3
They were gorgeous but do be careful. Bonne santé et bonne fête! (after all it is Fête Nationale!) <3
<3 <3
Lea, I just saw the news! OH NO! Poor France. Our world is insane. Where are you in relationship to this?
http://on.wsj.com/29SCljT
Hilarious! LMAO~
How amazing!
They are amazing!
Reblogged this on necltr and commented:
If anyone desires to be a rodent, say, Mickey Mouse or a rat (I have heard thereoare such people), think again.
Thank you for your kind spirited generosity and cheers to you too!
Reblogged this on Smorgasbord – Variety is the spice of life and commented:
This week’s amazing photography from Cindy Knoke is of a juvenile Red Tailed Hawk.. Wow.
Thank you dear Sally and have a wonderful weekend my friend! <3 <3
You too Cindy… hugs
Visa versa 2UX2!
Wow, so beautiful. It’s not a condor, but just as beautiful. love the pictures. thank you for sharing. I have to share it as well
I am honored! Thank you so much and cheers to you~
Thanks for these, Cindy, they are stunning.
They are remarkable creatures with such dignity. I am so pleased you like them Mary!
I would so love to hold one! Fantastic photos of one of my favorite birds! I love the intensity of their eyes! Hugz Lisa and Bear
Aren’t they simply regal creatures. So happy you love them too!
Truly remarkable! 🙂
They really are!
🙂
Such elegant flying maneuvers…and courage on your part
No courage whatsoever, just lots of respect!
Truly magnificent birds! Thank you for sharing these gorgeous pictures!
Thank you more for appreciating them my friend & cheers to you!
Fabulous photos of a majestic bird.
Awwww, so kind and so appreciated! <3
What majestic photos Cindy– strength and dignity. You are amazing…
Thank you very much Rhonda but they are the amazing ones!
Amazing photos
I am honored! Thank you & cheers too~
Querida amiga, me han parecido impresionantes tus fotos. La profesión de “halconero” nos transporta a la Edad Media en que los “señores” utilizaban los halcones para sus juegos y cacerías. ¡Qué bonito pájaro!, y qué elegante vuelo. Me alegra que lo hayas disfrutado y que lo compartas con nosotros. 😉
Si, es un historia larga y noble. Halcones son aves nobles . Muchos gracias para suapreciarlos. Que esten bien mi querida amiga y abrazos!
Beautiful detailed photos, Cindy! They are amazing predators and magnificent birds. The earthbound love the freedom they represent.
Yes we do love the freedom. How beautifully you expressed this!
Wow amazing
There are, aren’t they!
Yes really x
:star: