~ Harris Hawk on Saguaro ~
"Looking for dinner"
I hiked this afternoon in Reddington Pass, high in the Rincon Mountains that border the city of Tucson on the east side. This Harris Hawk and two of her friends were looking for something to eat. They weren't very interested in me, so long as I stayed in my Explorer, and I had the opportunity to capture this photo.
Harris Hawks hunt like wolves ~ in packs, dominated by an Alpha Female. When they kill prey, they share the spoils.
Reddington Road leads up and over the Rincon Mountains, and into the watershed for the San Pedro river. It's paved until you get to the boundary of the Coronado National Forest, and then it's a dirt road up and over the top. If you come to visit Tucson, you won't want to miss this!
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Terrific photos -- love the hawk-- hope all is well with you guys.
Amazing Photos.
Mike, Very good! I like both photos...
Mike, I love the way you share information about your local area through a combination of words and photos. Until I started following you on Activerain, I never had any desire to see this part of the country... but you've changed that.
Margaret,
Thanks for saying so; that's so encouraging. This is a beautiful part of the country.
Michael,
Glad to oblige! :)
Maureen,
Come visit Tucson; you won't be disappointed!
Carolin & Bob,
We're doing well; thanks for asking! ...and thanks for being the first to comment.
Mike in Tucson
I love the hawk! He is way cooler than the owl I saw the other day when I was driving......and I thought he would have made a great picture except traffic made me give up that idea.
Not sure that perching on a cactus would be comfortable. That's a different turn on the phrase 'stick the landing.'
Mike, great photos!
Tony & Darcy,
Thanks for saying so!
John,
Birds of prey do that all the time. Tough feet, I guess.
Ann,
I'm glad you stuck to driving. LOL
Mike in Tucson
I have never heard of a Harris Hawk. Beautiful bird. They sound scary though.
The female is in charge. (Knew you would like that.) They hunt in "packs" of three, and they cooperate in the hunt, in the kill, and share the food just like wolves. They're pretty interesting birds.
Mike in Tucson
Wow, I did not this. They sound facinating. Thanks for sharing this additional pic.
The second photo is a beautiful shot. I have not seen a hawk before that looks like the one in the first photo. Both great pics!