So yesterday my wife was looking out the shop window, and she said "Hey there's that mangy looking squirrel you told me about." So trying to see if in fact it was mange, or he just had some white hairs on his back, I picked up my camera and shot this poor photo through the window quickly...



As I was zooming in on the screen, he suddenly turned away and scooted to the woodpile, and the reason was pretty clear!



A juvenile red shouldered hawk that is part of a family that has moved into our immediate area had swooped down and chased him across the lawn. I switched to a longer lens to get a few snaps...



He seems pretty interested in this squirrel...





This is giving someone the eyeball for sure...but the squirrel was not backing down in this stare down...



Finally the hawk realized that Mr. Squirrel was a bit too big for him, so he flew up to the roof, and then hung out on the neighbours truck for a while - probably waiting for a chipmunk to show up so he had a chance for a more manageable meal...



Once this guy gets to be full sized, the squirrels need to take cover!

Cheers, Al

 

You are VERY quick on the lens change! Impressive! Magnificent Hawk. They don't SEEM to bother the squirrels here in Arlington, Texas, the doves are easier prey I guess.

Your squirrel may just be old...hence the hair...

SIncerely,
Greg

 

If squirrels could fly, HAWKS would have to take cover.

 

They can.

 

I guess they would use the "paper beats rock" strategy? [emoji6]

 

You got some nice shots

 

Yes I think you are correct - frustrating as the Cooper's is not even in my field guide! Thanks for the correction.

 

YEAH, to avoid crashing into the wannabes. ;-)

 

OK, I'm dense, "caliper"?

 

Oooohhh, yes! Them's tasty little varmints!

 

I knew that...I was was just ...testing you...yah, that's it!
I was TESTING YOU!
And YOU PASSED ! YAY! ;-)

 

I LOVE birds of prey. That reminds me there is a wild life exhibit near my home that houses all kinds of hawks, and owls. Last time I went my son was pretty small, but now that he's five I bet he'd be a lot more excited.

Thanks for sharing!

 

Albino Red Tailed Hawk named Lakota at Birds of the World Show at Texas State Fair October 10, 2011.
Big Owl...dunno his name.
Bird took a $1 bill from BOND GIRL's hand and put it in the acrylic case.
Lien Thi wearing her first (and for years, only) watch, a Seiko. Styled like a Movado.

 

It's been a long while since we've been to the State Fair. If I had known they featured such exhibits I'd go more often.

 

The REAL Flying Squirrel, Gabby Douglas. U.S. Olympic Team 2012

 

Nuh uh. Here's the real flying squirrel:



This is the dude who spawned an animated cartoon character.