North by Northwest

The northwest wind over the past two days has been relentless. Dropping some 40F in 24 hrs, this cold front produced a variably cloudy day that at one point saw snow. Needless to say, hawks are made for this type of weather, especially a large and powerful bird like a red-tailed hawk, which thrives in the gale force winds. I endured the bitter conditions and was well rewarded for the effort. It began when I spotted the first year male with one tail feather missing begining a stoop!


I see his intended quarry!


For a moment, they touch!



They are low now, diving into the park!

A crow seizes this opportunity to make a move on the couple. It is also snowing quite hard now.

But the large female with two missing primaries will have none of it!