I was driving home from work today and near Crompton Park when suddenly I saw this Red-tailed Hawk perched on a light pole near a very busy intersection. Naturally, I find the nearest parking lot to pull over into and whip out my camera to get over there for a decent shot of one of my favorite birds. I got on the sidewalk in which the light pole is on and the hawk gave me "the eye" before it proceeded to hunt for rodents (I am assuming) which are quite plentiful in this area I am guessing due to it being so close to downtown Worcester.
Anyhow, It caused quite the curiosity factor as I was out on the sidewalk on a very busy intersection with a light rain falling from the sky and I could see people staring at the light pole and at the hawk. People pointed their fingers and mouths dropped as they got a really good look at the bird.
The bird just sat there with the rain and the wind falling upon it as it squaked and called.
Suddenly, I could hear something come from behind me and no more than 7 feet in front of me, landed its mate!!! Now traffic is starting to back up as people are all rubber necking trying to get a good look at this magnificent bird as I am sitting there taking its picture!
The bird stares at me as I stare at it and people are honking their horns and either giving me a thumbs up or the middle finger as if I am somehow to blame for the traffic snarl (which I am not obviously as I am on the sidewalk). Sheesh, some people need to have patience. ;o). The bird was so close to the cars that I am guessing this is the first time a lot of folks have ever been able to see a hawk that close by.
Finally, I see a women approach who is petrified to walk past the hawk. She looks at me apprehensively and I tell her to go slow, LOL, because I too have no idea what it will do. The Red-tailed decides to take off into a nearby tree just as we start to get one of the many torrential downpours we had today. I ran to my car obviously but was thrilled to have caught it. Red-tailed Hawks Rock!Have a great weekend all!
12 comments:
That's a treat!
Lucky you Kim! It's a great story with terrific pictures.
Gorgeous pictures, Kim--especially the last 3... Can't believe he was that close to you---and to all of the traffic. Amazing!!!! (Talk about being in the right place at the right time!)
Hugs,
Betsy
funny....funny....and great photos!! Way to keep an eye out. I can totally see you causing a traffic jam ;-)
I love observed hawks but it was very difficult to identify them. I have a very clear look on two individuals of Bat Hawk when i assist one of ornithologist from US in 2006 and it was a great experience.
Your observation and photos are great!!!! Well done...
What a great narrative!!
I came around a corner in the rural part of our county the other day and one was sitting in the middle of the road! No road kill, or anything, just sitting there looking at me. He finally decided my car was a bit big to challenge and flew away. They can be so funny! I love seeing them too Kim. :c)
Great photographs and an even greater story. Wonderful that so many people got to see the hawk but what a shame you took the blame for the traffic slow down.
That is a great story, and you do seem to attract them. They must feel the connection too!
nice shots.
Great story..and awesome photos!
Today I was graced by a visitor on my window ledge, Worcester's Hawk stopped by! I'm on the tenth floor downtown and have a large ledge, perfect spot to perch. It's been here for the past two days! What a beautiful bird! My two cats think so too!
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