A Red-tailed hawk performing rhythmic gymnastics
p.1 #1A Red-tailed hawk performing rhythmic gymnastics
I had the funniest interaction with a juvi Red-tailed hawk recently. This guy was sitting in a tree when he came down on a steep dive to the grass below, I assumed he was diving for a vole which is their primary diet in this particular location. I started firing off some shots but quickly realized that it wasn't a vole but a black rubber ball that looked like the end of a turkey baster. He proceeded to play with the ball, throwing it up in the air numerous times and chasing it in the grass, reminded me of a gymnast performing with a ball, I couldn't stop laughing.
Here is the routine.
20260112-DSC01212-2 by Jose Raposo, on Flickr
20260112-DSC01473 by Jose Raposo, on Flickr
20260112-DSC01475 by Jose Raposo, on Flickr
20260112-DSC01474 by Jose Raposo, on Flickr
20260112-DSC01574-2 by Jose Raposo, on Flickr
and finally taking a well deserved bow.
20260112-DSC01477 by Jose Raposo, on Flickr
20260112-DSC01479 by Jose Raposo, on Flickr
20260112-DSC01481 by Jose Raposo, on Flickr
Here is the routine.
20260112-DSC01212-2 by Jose Raposo, on Flickr20260112-DSC01473 by Jose Raposo, on Flickr20260112-DSC01475 by Jose Raposo, on Flickr20260112-DSC01474 by Jose Raposo, on Flickr20260112-DSC01574-2 by Jose Raposo, on Flickrand finally taking a well deserved bow.
20260112-DSC01477 by Jose Raposo, on Flickr20260112-DSC01479 by Jose Raposo, on Flickr20260112-DSC01481 by Jose Raposo, on FlickrJan 13, 2026 at 12:17 PM
p.1 #2A Red-tailed hawk performing rhythmic gymnastics
Surprising behavior Jose. Ideal bright diffused light.
Jan 13, 2026 at 02:19 PM
p.1 #3A Red-tailed hawk performing rhythmic gymnastics
Great subject and equally great poses and shots.
John
John
Jan 13, 2026 at 05:45 PM
p.1 #4A Red-tailed hawk performing rhythmic gymnastics
Amazing sequence.
Dave
Dave
Jan 13, 2026 at 06:00 PM
p.1 #5A Red-tailed hawk performing rhythmic gymnastics
These are great, what a fun moment!
Eric
Eric
Jan 13, 2026 at 06:21 PM
p.1 #6A Red-tailed hawk performing rhythmic gymnastics
Fantastic images of this hawk, but what unique behavior you captured. Very well done with this entire sequence.
Jan 13, 2026 at 09:33 PM
p.1 #7A Red-tailed hawk performing rhythmic gymnastics
Jose,
What a great fun set with some great photos, you won't forget this one for a long time.
Chris S.
What a great fun set with some great photos, you won't forget this one for a long time.
Chris S.
Jan 13, 2026 at 10:00 PM
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p.1 #8A Red-tailed hawk performing rhythmic gymnastics
Great photos of the youngster playing Jose
Morris
Morris
Jan 14, 2026 at 07:09 AM
p.1 #9A Red-tailed hawk performing rhythmic gymnastics
Wow, am officially jealous.
rand
rand
Jan 15, 2026 at 06:15 AM
p.1 #10A Red-tailed hawk performing rhythmic gymnastics
Excellent sequence of an unusual behavior. The bird appears to be having fun.
Jan 15, 2026 at 08:14 PM
p.1 #11A Red-tailed hawk performing rhythmic gymnastics
Wow, some cool shots of interesting behaviour.
Jason
Jason
Jan 20, 2026 at 06:54 AM
p.1 #12A Red-tailed hawk performing rhythmic gymnastics
Beautiful capture and they are very sharp pictures..
John
John
Jan 20, 2026 at 08:18 AM
