More Nature in the Raw.

I was watching some cedar waxwings in the trees, when all of a sudden, here comes a small flock with a larger bird close behind. Due to the size, I didn't think much of it, until it nailed one in mid air. I was so wishing I would have known what was about to happen. It flew across the street into a tree and was getting ready to dine. If you look closely, you'll see the waxxie's little feet sticking up and the yellow in it's tail feather. This Sharp-shinned Hawk is a killing machine.

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Outstanding capture. Rare when you can witness the work they do. I've never seen this hawk on a kill. Wonderful flying talent. The only hawk I've seen fight off mobbing jays.
Sam

Thanks, Sam. I'm always partial to shots that tell a bit of a story.

Excellent shot, although too bad it wasn't a sparrow instead.

What a nice capture!

Great capture Mike. I've seen them in chase, seen one collide with my neighbors house (dove hit first) and fall at my feet and then continue chase. They sure can maneuver in flight, can't image they miss much.

Great shot, wish I could find a raptor or two up here.

Cool capture. Sorry for the waxwing, but good to see that beautiful hawk getting a nice meal!

Awesome intensity in his eye! Great capture, Mike.

POV & lighting are really nice.

Thanks, everyone.

Liz, been to the bog yet this year? It's been pretty active. Me and another dude are considering heading there next week, due to the weather improving mucho.

Just checked your gallery and see that you were there recently. Awesome pictures, Liz.

Mike - Yeah, I've been there twice, and will be going to the festival in February. I went up last weekend in the hopes of finding great gray owls, but didn't find any. Almost left empty-handed until some gray jays showed up. I'm guessing with the improving weather, there will be a lot of people there the next few weekends. I'll be down in Florida.

Great shot. I know what you mean about killing machine. I think the one that I got pics of is taking a bird a day. I've yet to see the hawk in the act, but I get to see the hole and wing tracks in the snow.

Probably more than one a day. I watched a Northern Harrier here going North during migration take 8 large rodents in a couple hours.