Anvil Loc: Loveland, CO

Today, we went hiking in an area that was new, to me. I did not know what to expect, but I certainly did not expect to see all those people -- more people, today, than I've seen in two years at my usual haunt. Crowds are not good for wildlife viewing, so I was less than optimistic. We came across a trail that seemed to be unused, so we took it. Good thing we did. In a clearing, off the trail, we spotted a red tailed hawk, perched in a tree. I never get to see this, so I didn't waste any time. I was able to get rather close to the tree without spooking the hawk, so I managed to get several shots off.

I watched and watched, hoping I could get a shot of the bird taking off. I figured it wasn't going to happen, so I turned to go back. My friend, still on the trail, yelled that the bird had bent down -- more than likely an indication that it was about to take off. I went back, and the bird resumed its vigil. It did not look as if a takeoff was going to happen, so I turned around, to head back to the trail. Just as I turned, my friend yelled that the bird had just taken off. You win some, you lose some.

Master of all he surveys.

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Different shot, cropped heavily, to showcase the eye.

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