I have already featured a frontal image of this young Red-shouldered Hawk (Buteo lineatus) that I spotted last Friday at Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge, but I decided I also really like this shot in which it is looking over its shoulder. The hawk definitely was keeping an eye on me after I had passed almost directly underneath it and was walking further down the path away from it.
In a strange way the hawk seemed to be simultaneously intensely focused and quite relaxed and was quite content to remain on its perch.
© Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved.
Mike Powell 
It’s occurred to me that such birds of prey generally seem less wary about creatures on the ground than other birds above them. I don’t know if it’s true, but it makes sense. As long as they’re on their limb, they’re in control, with easy escape quite possible.
Your description makes a lot of sense. I sometimes think too that age may be a factor, where young birds, like this hawk, tend to let their curiosity overwhelm their caution.
My yard is where Owls, Hawks and Eagles like to hunt oh my poor Doves 😦
That is pretty cool, especially if you like raptors like I do. Of course, it’s not so good for the doves, but raptors have to eat too.
I know I like them too but can they feed from another yard 🙂
Gorgeous!
Great picture, Mike. I’m not sure I’d turn my back on that guy.
For me, the ideal situation is to get the shots I want without disturbing the wildlife. Generally it is hard to do, because so many subjects are really skittish and react as soon as they sense my presence. In this case, the hawk definitely knew I was there, but somehow did not feel at all threatened.