Red-tailed Hawks seem to be the Rodney Dangerfields of the Raptors. While visiting the Klamath Basin Refuge last week, I saw and had the opportunity to take lots of photos of them but I seemed to be the only person interested in doing that. Several times people would stop to ask me what I was looking at or photographing and as soon as they saw or I told them it was a Red-tailed hawk they would make a face and drive off or say something like, “Oh those are so common, we are looking for eagles, or roughies.” Red-tails are common but no less beautiful than the rarer birds. I think people passed up some good opportunities to watch and photograph this wonderful species. They are incredible hunters and the fact that there are a lot of them does not make them any less interesting in my opinion.
Northern Desert Photography 
Boy, I agree with you 100%, Alison. The Red-tails are beautiful, majestic, and one of my favorite raptors to photograph. I may have said that before, but it is well worth repeating. BTW, you have some outstanding close-ups here.
Thanks Bob. 🙂 I was thrilled to be able to get so close to them. I have always found them pretty difficult to photograph. They always fly off or are too high in the trees. I loved being able to watch them at eye level and see all the detail in their feathers. I agree with you that they are remarkable and beautiful birds.
Nice pics, Alison. Ubiquitous has nothing to do with a bird’s beauty or value.
Absolutely agree Jo Ann. Thanks for stopping in and commenting. 🙂
I am always amazed at your photos Alison! I think this is a truly, beautiful bird.
Thanks so much RJ.
I think they are wonderful birds.
Thanks. Me too.
One of the most fascinating moments I will remember about this bird was pulling into the driveway at some friends house. I watched a red-tail swoop down on another bird. I stopped, he looked up and looked at me as if to say thank you, then flew off. I think I distracted the bird for him. No matter what I sat there for a moment in awe of what I had just seen. This wasn’t the first time actually. I was once hiking on the PCT when all of a sudden maybe 30 feet in front of me a hawk (not sure it was a red-tail) again swooped into my line of vision and grabbed a bird out of a tree. I was so shocked, I stood there for a moment trying to decided if I really seen what I saw. They are amazing birds.
They are amazing birds. Lots of folks are disdainful of them because they are so common but that is just a testament to their awesome abilities. I enjoyed reading about your experiences with them. Thanks for visiting. 🙂