My heart jumped into my throat when I heard, “Mom!  Mooom!  Stop the car.  NOW!” stage whispered from the back seat.

I slammed on the brakes, knowing that it was important for me to listen, but not knowing why.  Then, I saw it.  A red-tailed hawk was standing just a few feet away.   He didn’t seem to be phased by the movement of the car, so we slowly opened the doors and crept out to get a better look.

We spent the next 15 minutes flat on our bellies on the edge of my driveway (yes, I am officially the weirdo of the neighborhood) within touching distance of this beautiful bird until he finished his meal and flew off into the trees.  I have to admit, it is nice that my kids are now old enough to have developed some nature-savy.  I LOVE that my big kids recognized this as a drop-everything opportunity, and even my three year old knew that she had to be still and quiet so as not to spoil the moment.

I am still in awe.  Nature is truly incredible.

Raptor Run-in

20 thoughts on “Raptor Run-in

  • October 31, 2012 at 8:37 AM
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    What an awesome experience for you and your children!
    Wonderful you were able to capture the moment with such beautiful photos.

    • October 31, 2012 at 10:10 AM
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      I was lucky to have the camera in the car. This is one of those moments where my procrastination came in handy.

  • October 31, 2012 at 11:08 AM
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    Oh I love the photos of the hawk! So beautiful!
    Have a happy Halloween!
    Verena

  • October 31, 2012 at 11:18 AM
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    I am so glad that you trained your children to “see” nature in a day-to-day moment. Even the three year old kept quiet. I am so proud of your family. Clap. Clapping. Still clapping. Those are fantastic images of a red tail hawk.
    Joyce M

    • October 31, 2012 at 12:01 PM
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      Thanks for the cheers!

    • October 31, 2012 at 1:58 PM
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      It wouldn’t have been half as fun without the kids. They were absolutely enthralled with noticing all of the details. If you click on the image to zoom in, and then click a second time to get even closer, you can see tufts of something-or-other on the bird’s back. My son thinks this is the most impressive part of our whole encounter and tells everyone “we were so close we could see the bird’s dust!”

  • October 31, 2012 at 3:59 PM
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    Awesome! I saw one by where hubby was working (and we’d come to visit for a few) and we both stopped in our tracks too. Nice that you pulled over and enjoyed the moment.

  • October 31, 2012 at 7:18 PM
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    All I can say is WOW!!! The photos are stunning and the moment was awesome. A rare moment in time without a doubt. You are blessed and your children are special.
    Hugs, Jeanne

  • October 31, 2012 at 7:25 PM
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    Such wonderful detail, down to the fuzz of the unfortunate meal in the first photo–squirrel?

    • October 31, 2012 at 8:58 PM
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      Excellent road kill identification skills Margaret! Yes, it was a squirrel. I tried to frame the photos to miss most of the gory details, but as you can see, he didn’t stray far from his meal.

  • October 31, 2012 at 7:41 PM
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    How beautiful! I would be on my belly too. These are the best. I would frame these. :)

  • October 31, 2012 at 8:01 PM
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    Beautiful, I see them along the road sometimes but it’s never in a place where we can safely stop. Great pics!

    • October 31, 2012 at 9:03 PM
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      He was actually on our property. I was just turning off the road when the kids got my attention.

  • November 2, 2012 at 10:39 AM
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    Gorgeous photos of the Red-tailed Hawk. I have spent hours waiting for those kind of shots! They are such magnificent creatures to observe. And so nice the youngsters were able to observe nature in action.

    • November 2, 2012 at 1:59 PM
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      I’m sure many photographers have. Kids and waiting don’t mix well – this was truly a lucky moment.

  • April 24, 2013 at 8:40 PM
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    Example is the best teacher and obviously yours has decidedly rubbed off on your children. What an awesome experience that stage whisper gave all of you. Wonderful, wonderful shots.

  • April 24, 2013 at 9:23 PM
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    Great to have an extra set of eyes in the car – it allows you to watch the road!!

    Great pictures.

    Cheers!

    Stewart M – Melbourne

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