Raptors.

What about “Birds that eat meat, taken by force” doesn’t pique your interest?

I’ve always been fascinated by “Birds of Prey.” Eagles, Hawks, Falcons, Ospreys, Owls, Kites, and Vultures are all raptors.

This year I learned that the best time to photograph nocturnal raptors, like owls, is when they are raising their young in the spring. They have to feed all hours of the day in order to keep up. If you’re lucky, you will be able to witness the adults teaching the young how to fend for themselves.

I’ve read that Eagles prefer fish to red meat. Where I live, in the Lowcountry region of South Carolina, they seem to prefer whatever is available. I’ve even seen them eating road kill with vultures.

In the areas where I bird, Red Shouldered Hawks seem to be very abundant.

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

And on occasion, a Red Tailed Hawk.

• 

• 

• 

• 

But, of all the raptors I’ve come across, the “fish hawk” Osprey is my favorite. To watch them hover a hundred feet above the water, dive, and submerse themselves up to 3 feet under the surface in pursuit of a fish is a thrill unmatched by any other.

• 

• 

• 

And, to be looked in the eye by one of these majestic birds…well, that is something I will never forget.

Raptors. Fascinating birds.