I readily admit that sometimes I daydream about being able to fly like a bird and quite often the bird I wish I were is a Red-tailed Hawk.

Adult Red-tailed Hawk perched in an old dead treeAdult Red-tailed Hawk perched in an old dead tree

I photographed this adult Red-tailed Hawk in southwestern Montana last month, its mate had already left the tree and I was anticipating that this male would soon follow her.

Adult Red-tailed Hawk lifting offAdult Red-tailed Hawk lifting off

I knew that the Red-tailed Hawk would lift off shortly after it defecated and sure enough it did. Its feet had just left the branch it had been perched on in this frame.

Downward sweep of the Red-tail's wingsDownward sweep of the Red-tail’s wings

And with a downward sweep its wings the male Red-tailed was airborne. I wonder what that feels like.

Red-tailed heading skywardRed-tailed heading skyward

With its wings spread and its tail fanned it flew past the branches of the tree. I’m certain at this point I was paying far more attention to the hawk than it was paying to me.

Red-tailed Hawk flying over the treeline, Centennial Valley, Beaverhead County, MontanaRed-tailed Hawk flying over the tree line

As the Red-tail flew past me I once again wondered what it would be like to be flying so free, unfettered and wild. I’ll never know but it is wonderful to daydream about it.

Life is good.

Mia

Click here to see more of my Red-tailed Hawk photos plus facts and information about this species.