The Red Tailed Hawk is one of the most common hawks in North America. When it is not perched surveying the ground beneath for prey, it can be found soaring the thermals high above the ground. The hawk hunts by diving from above - either from a perch of in mid-flight - to land upon its prey with talons extended.

These particular hawks below are residents of Shoreline Park in Mountain View, California. I have watched on more than one occasion these hawks eating anything from snakes to an American Coot. Even after devouring a snake in less than a few minutes, it was off to catch another: with impeccable eyesite, the hawk saw the next small snake in tall grass a quarter of a mile away.

More information about the Red Tailed Hawk:

Cornell University's Lab of Ornithology | WhatBird

~ Search Nature Focused for these and other Red Tailed Hawk images ~

Hawk and Serpent

Red Tailed Hawk swallowing the remains of its prey. After catching its prey, it flew into a nearby tree to finish its meal five feet above two people having a picnic.

Portrait

Head portrait of a Red-Tailed Hawk.

The Catch

During the catch, just after pouncing on its prey - Red Tailed Hawk and snake.

Stretch

Immature Red Tailed Hawk stretching in the warm afternoon light.

On the Lookout

Red-Tailed Hawk just after the catch of its prey, Shoreline Park, Mountain View, California.

Hair Raising

Red-Tailed Hawk, Shoreline Park, Mountain View, California. Before eating its meal, this hawk spent a good deal of time de-feathering its prey, the feathers of which can be seen strewn all over the ground.

Feathers

Red-Tailed Hawk at Shoreline Park, Mountain View, California. While eating its prey, the hawk would look up as if guarding its catch.

Portrait

Portrait of a Red-Tailed Hawk between snacks, Shoreline Park, Mountain View, California.

Flesh

Red-Tailed Hawk, Shoreline Park, Mountain View, CA. Please note this photo is graphic in nature.

Don't Talk With Your Mouth Full

Red Tailed Hawk eating prey in the tall dry grass of Shoreline Park, Mountain View, CA.

Hawk Profile

Head profile of a Red Tailed Hawk, Shoreline Park, Mountain View, CA.

Fly Off

Red Tailed Hawk attempting to fly off, Shoreline Park, Mountain View, California.

Hawk Staredown

Red Tailed Hawk staring down its next meal at Shoreline Park, Mountain View, California.