This is one of my all time favorite shot and memories
We have very old, very tall trees on our property that have a mated pair of Red Tail Hawks call home. Last summer I had the pleasure of hosting one of their babies in my back yard. This picture was taken when the baby was considered a fledgling ( To old to be in the nest any longer but too young to be completely self sufficient) The time frame of the fledgling stage is approximately 2 weeks.
I had opened up my french doors to my backyard and sitting not more than 18 inches from me on my deck railing, was this beautiful creature! This is a big baby! So mind you I panicked and slammed the door! lol As if I couldn't believe what I saw, I peeked out the the sheers on the door and saw this adorable baby looking back at me! I didn't know if it was hurt or injured and in need of medical care, so I called my local wild life authority and they explained the process of "Raising Baby." Baby's parents were well aware of where their baby was at all times, they stayed out of view only to protect the baby and feed the baby until the baby could fly and start a life of its own. I expected to be "Hitchcocked" at any moment!
So for two glorious weeks we were able to enjoy the antics of this baby! I was able to get very close and take some really great shots......Or at least I think they're really great shots! We had to let our dogs in and out our neighbor's yard, as to not "disturb the wild life" for awhile lol and we had to "chase" him around the yard on grass cutting days and then one morning he was gone.......No longer a fledgling but a Baby able to take care of itself.
We are hoping that a few more fledglings come spend some time with us again this summer! Ü
5 comments:
That's a great picture. We have old live oaks on our property here in Florida and there is always a nest of screech owls in one of them. I had to play Momma to one that was injured from a nasty blue jay, blinded the baby in one eye. It's living now in a bird sanctuary, because it wouldn't have survived on its own. I'm an avid nature watcher too...isn't it wonderful?.....Sandi
OH, THAT IS A BEAUTIFUL PHOTO YOU WERE ABLE TO GET. HOW COOL!! IT LOOKS LIKE YOU HAVE A GREAT PLACE THERE AND WHAT A NICE THING THAT YOU CAN GO OUT YOUR BACK DOOR TO THIS KIND OF NATURE!!
KIM.
Awesome story & shot!! I woulda been lovin' life for those 2 weeks, just like ya. ;~)
that had to be so awesome
Hi, I have a friend who found a baby hawk, I havent seen it but from the sounds of it I think its a fledgling. they dont know what to feed it, they have been giving it warm milk and the hawk is drinking it, but they need to know what to feed it> could you please let me know?????? Thanks
Elizabeth <><
Post a Comment