Yesterday we took a drive along Lake Erie to see if we could find some wildlife to shoot. Things weren't looking too promising, as the only thing we saw, were a few sparrows, a crow, and a cardinal that just about bounced off my windshield, that was gone as fast as it arrived. We continued our trek along the lake, hoping that our luck would change, as it often does. As we were driving, something caught my eye on the left side off the road. Not sure what I was looking at, at first, so I continued to stare at it, as I tried my best to stay on the road. This really wasn't an issue going as slow as I was. I'm sure this upsets people behind me, but I don't like missing anything, especially driving along the lake. As we got closer, I was sure it was a bird, just not sure what kind of bird it was. The wings and the tail were all spread out, and looked as though it was covering something. As my angle improved, I was able to see the red tail feathers, identifying it as a male Red Tail hawk. And right beside it, that I didn't see at all right away, was a female with her chest all puffed out, looking proud as proud could be about their supper.
I drove a little further to turn around so I wouldn't spook them and have them fly away. I know this a very strong possibility, because this has happened to me many times. They don't seem to like people at all, especially a big dude with a camera and a long lens. I drove past them again going the other way, and they were still there. So we drove far enough away, so we could turn around and drive back again. As I approached, I slowly pulled over on the wrong side of the road so I could shoot out my window. I knew the moment I got out of the car, I would have scared them off for sure. To my surprise I was able to get pretty close and get lots of pictures.
At first the male was feeding as the female proudly and patiently waited for her turn. Luckily my camera has two memory cards in it, as I took many pictures not knowing if I'll ever get that opportunity again. I filled up one memory card (That wasn't empty to start with, because I had no idea I was going to be taking that many pictures), and started on the second. I continued to sneak up a little at a time knowing full well what the risks were. Finally the male was done eating, and it was time for the female to have a turn at supper (Picture below. Caution, picture is graphic). Strangely, after a few minutes, the male didn't let the female eat alone as he joined in on the meal. I moved up again, and before I got right beside them, the male flew to the other side of the fence and sat in the tree for a bit. I guess this is why he started eating again, as he knew he was going to be leaving soon. I thought if we stayed still long enough, he would return to be with his mate. Unfortunately he had his fill, and flew away. But the female stayed behind and continued to feed. I was able to get the car right beside her, and she was more interested in eating than flying away. This filled up my second memory card, so I put another smaller one in the camera. This was a small card and didn't take long to fill up.
I was out of pictures, but continued to observe this beautiful bird from very close range. After several minutes I figured it was time to give her her space, and let her enjoy her meal. Maybe I'm crazy, but I thanked her for letting me take the pictures. Hopefully one day she'll give me another opportunity like that.
It would have been a very cool experience without the pictures, but the pictures made it even more special.
Till next time,
Here is the female having her supper.