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RED-SHOULDERED HAWK AT THE NATIONAL AUDUBON SOCIETY CORKSCREW SWAMP SANCTUARY

This photo is uncropped, but was processed for brightness and contrast in Elements 5.0 as the shot was over exposed.
Sharpening of the image was made in PictureProject. As often as I've now visited the Sanctuary, I've come to realize that
I can't rely on wildlife to call its attention to me, but that I have to, with great perseverance, be on the lookout for it
as it's often so silent and well comouflaged in the trees. Such was the case with this Red-shouldered Hawk.

I first observed the bird about thirty-five feet from me, where I watched it until it took flight under the boardwalk,
though I didn't see it come out the other side. I approached the area where I had last seen it, where it then took flight from the
water to perch on the railing of the boardwalk, which resulted in my then standing a mere few feet away from the bird. I was startled
and astounded at the experience as it was unfolding. I had to step back a few paces to be able to focus on the bird
which I continued to observe from a distance I think is unlikely I will ever attain again. -- Bob Pelkey