This raptor is beautiful. Thanks for sharing.
I had 2 consecutive years of Redtails nesting in my backyard elm tree.
My sister had died in 2015 and when we arrived home that February a pair were preparing their nest. I had seen their shadows crisscrossing my window and wondered what was going on. The first pair had 3 younglings. I was able to watch the parents catching their food, feeding them, watching them peer over the nest, test their hopping skills to other close branches. As they grew, they were so puffy with the speckled feathers I was in my own wonderland. As I observed them, one had not developed strong wings as it was on the edge of the nest one day. I was worried about it. The next morning it was on the ground. I cried and cried feeling like I somehow could have saved it. I was devastated for a long time, but I watched the other 2 become strong, learning to fly a triangle through our property following the lead of a parent. Then I was able to watch them learn how to hunt their own food. The 2 stayed around a long time and returned the following year for another mesmerizing experience for me.
This helped me begin the process of healing from the grieving I went through losing my eldest sister. As the years went by winds broke the branches where they were born and grew up. I wouldn't trade that experience for anything. Our winter jasmine was blooming when we got home, and the aroma was heavenly. I felt like I was given a gift beyond measure. We still have hawks coming through on their hunts for food. I delight in seeing them. It taught me the circle of like in a new way.
TY for the pics Donkees!
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