This beautiful Red Tailed Hawk patiently allowed me to take photo after photo, slowly making my way around the cedar tree where he was perched.
Finally, as I stood at the base of the tree, in his line of sight, he decided enough was enough, and off he went.
The Colonial Parkway was alive with birds today. Red Tailed Hawk, and his many avian neighbors, were out enjoying the day.
Although their patience with your photographer was a bit limited….
Canada Geese, Great Blue Herons, a large black vulture on a low branch, crows, gulls in from the coast, and even a few Bald Eagles could be found along the river.
It reached 60 degrees today while we visited with the birds. It is the first time in several weeks our temperatures have been so warm. The birds surely have enjoyed the break in the weather as much as we have today.
The clouds steadily grew thicker as the sun fell lower in the sky.
Even though the ground is puddled, soft, and muddy, more rain is on its way. We watched the clouds gathering from the west.
A little sun and warmth goes a long way towards brightening the spirit, and drawing us back out to the Parkway.
And though the landscape is still tight and wintery here along the James River, we had fine company today from our feathered neighbors.
All Photos by Woodland Gnome 2014
Forest Garden 