Near my home we heard the local Northern Mockingbirds sound the alarm! Their frantic flying and cries are usually indictive that a Bird of Prey has entered their habitat.
Sure enough, I spotted a young Red-Shouldered Hawk perched about three stories high in a tall tree, overlooking my back yard pond.
This strong, cute and beautiful Hawk called out a few times and then relaxed in silence, preening and watching for the next 30 minutes.
It noticed my daughter Kiko, her friend and myself watching it and didn't seem to concerned.
It is amazing how the coloring and pattern blends it into the tree bark. Several times I looked away for a few moments and when my gaze returned it took me time to find it again.
I think this picture captures just how adorable this Hawk is.
The Mockingbirds had enough and after some chatter from a group of them, their leader did a fly by and buzzed the Hawk. The Mockingbird then landed right next to him - they are such brave and crazy birds! The Hawk took a peak at him...
...and then tried to ignore him!
They sat in uncomfortable silence for about 20 seconds... and then the Mockingbird started to yell at him and chased him away...
This picture is fuzzy and a mess... but it cracks me up everytime I see it. Those Hawk feet dangling, feathers spread out trying to escape the wrath of a crazy little Mockingbird that looks like a little missle!
All pictures taken by 