Right Place, Right Time

I was far enough away to be safe, and lucky enough to have my wits about me and push the button. I’d been watching this red-tail hawk for awhile—he was endlessly grooming and fussing and not giving me the pose I wanted. 

The Extra shows baby cormorants at feeding time! Adults build their nests here every year on these tiny fragile outcroppings and proceed to raise three or four chicks in that small space, everybody squirming for a good place to sleep and the next meal. To get access to food, the baby strokes (or pecks at) a spot on the parent’s throat, causing them to regurgitate something delicious. I’ve watched youngsters stick their heads right down an adult’s throat as soon as they open their mouths. Given a choice, I prefer to slave over a hot stove.