Watching the Hawk Watch

One of the things I like about my neighborhood is that wildlife presents itself for the alert passer-by.  I was in my living room when I noticed some people walking up the steps toward the shops.  The man looked up and then turned back to look up again.  I walked to the window, curious, and saw this perched on a limb above what is often a squirrel playground…

It looks like a young Red Tail to me, given its head color and breast, which you’ll see later.

You lookin’ at me?

Well, you should know I have superpowers…

The funny thing is that several other people walked by and never looked up.  I have seen foxes, coyotes, deer, raccoons, opossums, and all manner of birds I never expected to see in town (pileated woodpeckers, for instance) just by looking around.

This bird had its eyes peeled.

Pesky human still looking at me…

I love seeing the big hunters because I know they will keep the rodent population down.  That seems to be what this little guy was looking for—some chipmunks or mice in the ivy.  I hope he or she (I can’t sex juvenile hawks) finds something tasty before the afternoon is over.  What a treat for a grey day—and thanks to the alert neighbor for sending me a clue to look out.

Ah, well. No chippies. May as well look elsewhere…