So, I saw a Red-tailed Hawk perched in a tree across the street from where I had just gotten out of a meeting in Fife. I grabbed my camera to snap a few photos and didn't get quite close enough for the lens I had with me. The hawk flew off into another tree and I followed. Before I made it to that tree it flew again. I decided this would be the last tree I followed it to since it may just be trying to get away from me.

I was able to get close enough for some passable photos and just as I was snapping a few last shots another hawk flew into view and mounted the hawk I was photographing! I was quite surprised and kept taking photos! It didn't last long (insert jokes here) and then the male bird jumped off and sat on the branch next to the female. This might be the only time I have ever known, with a fair amount of certainty, while observing hawks, which sex was which.

After a minute or so the male flew off and a few minutes later the female flew away too. What an experience. I also got a good shot of a song sparrow as I was walking back to my truck.

I posted some photos here http://www.flickr.com/photos/22620660 at N04/sets/72157613790682468/ if anyone is interested in looking at the photos I captured.

I shot lots of photos but posted only a few, at least for now.

How common is it to view such an event? Also, I am pretty sure of the ID of the bird, but raptor ID isn't my strong suite and I wouldn't mind a conformation of the ID.


TedR
Fredrickson, WA
mailto:coffeemonkey101 ATcomcast DOT net