Young Red Tail Hawk

Red tail hawks are common throughout most of the Appalachian Mountains, but winter is probably the best time to see these birds of prey. It may be because they have to cover more territory to find food and become less wary of humans in this effort-as their concentration is focused elsewhere. Or, it may be simply that they are less hidden by foliage. Either way, it seems that winter is the best time.

Often young hawks will allow you to get really close, or like this little guy, they may get really close to you. This young red tail flew from a branch across a cornfield to perch right above my head to investigate my activities. After providing me with a short portrait session, the hawk then flew to a nearby branch to watch fly-fishermen. I wonder if it thought it might somehow make a meal out of a fisherman's catch...