Red-tailed Hawk catching its prey in Waukesha County on July 29, 2015

Checking out a few birding spots this morning I encountered the Red-tailed Hawk once again looking for prey and this time capturing it. The Red-tailed Hawk got a frog, chipmunk, and a very large insect while I observed from a distance. For the chipmunk, the Red-tailed Hawk sat in a tree near a fence. The chipmunk came out once and went right back into the tree trunk, knowing the hawk was present. The next time, a few minutes later the chipmunk came out the Red-tailed Hawk landed on it, spread it wings on the ground and held it down for a few minutes. The Red-tailed Hawk then flew off to a nearby tree and proceeded to have its meal. It does not always score but it had a good streak going while I was present. At one point it appeared to play with a piece of root, tossed it, pounced on it from 2 feet off the ground. Not sure what this was all about. Images were taken on July 29, 2015.

Warning: Some of the following images are graphic in nature and might be disturbing to some viewers.

Red-tailed Hawk with frog

Red-tailed Hawk with frog

Red-tailed Hawk with frog

Red-tailed Hawk with frog

Red-tailed Hawk with frog

Red-tailed Hawk with frog

Red-tailed Hawk with frog

Red-tailed Hawk with frog

Red-tailed Hawk with frog

Red-tailed Hawk with frog

Red-tailed Hawk with frog

Red-tailed Hawk with frog

Red-tailed Hawk waiting for the chipmunk!

Red-tailed Hawk waiting for the chipmunk!

Red-tailed Hawk with chipmunk

Red-tailed Hawk with chipmunk, poor thing!

Red-tailed Hawk with chipmunk

Red-tailed Hawk with chipmunk

Red-tailed Hawk with chipmunk

Red-tailed Hawk with chipmunk

Red-tailed Hawk with chipmunk

Red-tailed Hawk with chipmunk

Red-tailed Hawk with chipmunk

Red-tailed Hawk with chipmunk

Red-tailed Hawk with chipmunk

Red-tailed Hawk with chipmunk

I observed the Red-tailed Hawk tossing around what looked like a piece of root, flying a couple feet off the ground and pouncing on it

I observed the Red-tailed Hawk tossing around what looked like a piece of root, flying a couple feet off the ground and pouncing on it

I observed the Red-tailed Hawk tossing around what looked like a piece of root, flying a couple feet off the ground and pouncing on it

I observed the Red-tailed Hawk tossing around what looked like a piece of root, flying a couple feet off the ground and pouncing on it

Flying up and then pouncing

Flying up and then pouncing

flying up and pouncing

flying up and pouncing

Just looking around

Just looking around

Flying up with root in talon and then pouncing on it

Flying up with root in talon and then pouncing on it

Flying up with root in talon and then pouncing on it

Flying up with root in talon and then pouncing on it

Just pouncing around

Just pouncing around

Just pouncing around

Just pouncing around

Not sure what this was all about, an old gopher hole, but I never see gopher here

Not sure what this was all about, an old gopher hole, but I never see gophers here

Not sure what this was all about, an old gopher hole, but I never see gopher here

Not sure what this was all about, an old gopher hole, but I never see gophers here

Ready to takeoff for the next event!

Ready to takeoff for the next event!

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About admin

Window to Wildlife features the photography of Jim Edlhuber. A lifelong native of Wisconsin, Jim has been photographing wildlife for 20 years. He considers himself an avid photographer and is always trying to capture nature and wildlife through his lens. He is in several photography clubs and has won numerous awards for his work. In recent years, Jim has focused mostly on birding photography and finds it to be the most challenging.

9 Responses to Red-tailed Hawk catching its prey in Waukesha County on July 29, 2015

  1. Nan Wisherd says:

    Looks like a very good hunter. Thanks for sharing!

  2. Patrick Dean says:

    I enjoy all of your work, Jim – but this is some of your best, IMO. Superb light and timing. Just excellent. You’ve inspired me once again, as I’m heading up to the UP for some bird chasing and northern lights soon. Stay tuned! And TFS.

  3. Annie says:

    Those are jaw dropping pictures and you get the perfect shots. You must have lots of patience. Thanks again.

  4. Ruth Ruddock says:

    Jim, these are incredible photos of the Red-tailed Hawk in action….have never seen them up close, so this was a treat.
    They are such superb hunters! Thanks for posting these, and enjoy the day!

  5. Laura Wentz says:

    Just fascinating! Thank you for sharing all these beautiful photos of what not many people get to see.

  6. Jane Becker says:

    These pictures are outstanding Jim! The red-tailed hawk is a personal favorite of mine. Thanks for the great photography as always.

  7. Teddy says:

    nice pics, didn’t know they ate frogs.

  8. jenn says:

    amazing! thank you for sharing!

  9. Amy says:

    Wow! These are amazing! These hawks are really such striking creatures. You really captured some beautiful shots of it! But that poor little chippie! I have observed a red tailed hawk with a woodchuck before. That was a sight! It tried to fly away and carry it, but it was too big/heavy.

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