Capture the Moment: Standoff

I noticed the hawk first. Perched on the long, pointed branch, the sun hitting its feathers highlighting the beautiful pattern. I took several shots, and then stood and surveyed the scene.

I followed the gaze of the hawk, and discovered the situation. Two female Red-winged Blackbirds clearly did not like the hawk sitting there, and started loudly voicing their disapproval. I caught this one just as the bird closest opened its beak to make its point.

The standoff ended less than a minute later, with the hawk leisurely lifting off, ignoring the birds and heading toward quieter, easier prey.