During the recent TLCBirding weekend trip to the refuges in the Central Valley we tallied 100+ Red-tailed Hawks, usually seen on telephone pole crossbars as we drove. At the Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge most viewing is done from the car, but we did spend about an hour at the excellent viewing platform. Right alongside the ramp leading to the platform, on a low spot in the grass sat a young Red-tailed Hawk, staring balefully at the hordes of birders coming and going up the ramp.
We wondered if the bird was sick or injured, as it showed no inclination to move. A closer inspection showed that it had apparently been feeding on prey recently and perhaps was guarding the remains. After about 15 minutes the hawk took flight, leaving behind whatever it might have had for lunch. Too close for me to get a nicely composed photo, so I settled for some portrait shots.
Sac Nat Wildlife refuge is along route 5, south of Willows: SNWR
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