Red-tailed hawk a local native
article and and photos by Rose Collison
Red-tailed hawks have a bony ridge above eye for extra protection, a large wing span (on average) 58 inches, a hooked beak to catch prey easier. They are the most common North American hawk, and can be sighted year around throughout most of the continental U.S., usually either majestically circling on uplifts of air or sitting in a tree or power line, training their sights on prey.
This muscular fellow, while not a carrion feeder, took advantage of fresh road-killed venison for a tasty meal and never flinched as this photographer took its portrait.
“What are you looking at?” Mr. red-tailed hawk appears to ask.
Let me stretch my wings.
Keeping the balance while eating a well-balanced meal isn’t easy.
“Are you still here?” it appears to wonder.
Rose Collison
After retiring from Stockbridge Community Schools, Rose Collison joined the board of Stockbridge Community News. She serves as volunteer photographer and manages the Where’s Waldo contest. She and husband Ken have lived in the area for a number of years.