red-tailed hawk...

...gave me a thrill

flying high overhead today - my only wish - and isn't it always the case - was that i'd had my telephoto lens with me - to capture it more adequately - in detail - to really get the full beauty of this bird...

at least - i'm hoping i'm correct it's a red-tailed hawk - if not - it's something pretty special - but i think i'm right - the way the sun is hitting the tail - it sure appears to be red, doesn't it? yet, i'm no expert -

it doesn't matter, though - i saw this magnificent creature heading my way - over the mountain - down the slope - clearing the tree tops - the wing span totally ridiculous - i mean, just look at it - huge! the way the sun was glinting off its feathers - i knew this was going to be one of those glee-filled moments... you know how they don't happen very often - when they do - you hold your breath - count the seconds off and wait - finger held - almost shivering with the suspension - then begin depressing the shutter button - never daring to express your breath - is that fear the moment will pass? the bird will disappear? be gone as though never there? but he was - and as i watched until i couldn't see him any longer - i finally breathed - slow and steady -

going back through the viewer to see what i had actually shot - did i get anything worth anything? did i? can you really tell until the upload though - then i was wishing on the telephoto lens again - but you can't go there - be glad for what the moment gives you - rejoice in it - clap your hands for it - because it was so extremely unexpected - so i am - i am grateful - for a simple moment that led to...

a

happy day.....