raptor equivalent of staring into the fridge

This red-shouldered hawk (Buteo lineatus) was looking for food,

perched in a big Ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa)

on the south side of the open field next to our house (couch photos).

Watching it look all around,

I realized it was doing what we do:

looking for something to eat.

Can you imagine being hungry,

and having "outside" be your refrigerator?

friend or foe?

who's that chick w/ the Nikon? 

Trying to accept hawks (red-shouldered, specifically) around our property (chickens, specifically) because we have, this year, TWO ground squirrels (who are FAMOUS for wreaking havoc in gardens) shacked up where once there was ONE. AND they're working on making more squirrels.

Last year we had 1 single squirrel who NEVER went into my garden (P.H.E.W.).

Now she's got a man and he's ALREADY ventured into the garden. NOT good.

Those males and their tendency to wander far and wide. hmph.

SO, I'm trying to allow our local red-shouldered hawk to hang out. Just not sure I can trust a red-tailed hawk around our chickens. Although we have pretty big chickens...

hawk monitoring squirrel shack

Anyhow, that's why I did not shoo this beautiful creature away.

So, bonus of being tolerant is

you can get closer to some very cool things.

=) bb