Harris hawks over this morning

[murf]

We have a pair of Harris hawks that live in the neighborhood and typically roost in the neighbors HUGE eucapylpus tree a couple houses down. This morning they were in the tree behind our house which allowed me to get a couple of decent pictures. These birds are very large and beautiful and have a piercing call.

My Shibu Inu mix will stare up and run around the yard aggressively chasing them (and barking) as they fly over. With up to a 4 foot wingspan, I think she would think twice if one landed in front of her . These have to one of the larger birds in the hawk family.

Anyway, thought it was pretty cool...

 

[murf]

Come to think of it, I have not heard the neighbors yipping Chihuahua recently...

 

[Blues Dawg]

nice pics - very obliging birds.

 

[lvanst]

That's a very mature male. You don't get that mottled of a breast plate on a youngster...

Nice!

Here's one doing it all-american style...

You talkin' to me? Punk!

 

[BMAN]

Sweet pix Murf. Thanks for sharing.

 

[Tools R Us]

I shot pic of a hawk at a rocket launch, still one of my favorite shots.

 

[murf]

Some great additional pictures ~ I swear these Harris hawks challenge some of the smaller eagle species in size.

Impressive creatures!

 

[splitshot]

It's cool to watch them hunt, they will send one of the family into a batch of prickly pear, while the rest wait on elevated perches for the rabbit to flush.

 

[murf]

Yes, I read where they hunt in groups of 2 to 5 using diversionary tactics and spotters to catch game.

Matter of fact, when i saw the first hawk in the tree, my wife and I were each looking at a different hawk not knowing the other one was there until they flew off.