You never know when something exciting may cross your path.
I was in the grocery store parking lot, starting to leave and saw a hawk in the middle of the aisle.
Ready to park and pull out the camera, I saw him flush up from a passing car.
Of course, my eye followed where he went, and my car followed him.
I found him tucked behind the shopping center in a wetland.
He was calm and quiet, allowing me to get close to get a beautiful – full frame capture.
It took me a long time to figure out what it was that he had caught.
Finally after zooming in, I can see the little foot of a starling just under his belly.
Be ready for anything that may cross your path when least expected.
If you do not expect the unexpected you will not find it, for it is not to be reached by search or trail.
Heraclitus
Emily Carter ~ Nature as Art 
Reblogged this on By the Mighty Mumford and commented:
SERENDIPITY STRIKES AGAIN?
Indeed it did. Thanks Jonathan for sharing this with your readers.
Is that a small bird under him?
It is ! He had a starling that was to be lunch. Great catch Ali!
That’s so cool. I zoomed way in but once I saw it, I couldn’t unsee it
I couldn’t see it when I was photographing him. Had to zoom in to see what it was. Then that foot is blaring at me now. 🙂
What an incredible looking bird :O
He really is. I usually only see them deep in my tree when they want one of my song birds.
Wow, way to be prepared. Great capture. I believe that is a Coopers Hawk and their main prey is small birds.
You’re right ! It is a Cooper’s Hawk. This one was really beautiful too. Thank you.
I like hawks, but I also dislike them because they eat my chickens. They are beautiful birds though
I can’t even imagine how a hawk can get away with one of your chickens. Hopefully that doesn’t happen too often. Thanks Courtney
Yeah, sadly hawks are well known predators of chickens. I even came home once to one chopping on my chickens.
They are still beautiful birds though, and your photo is gorgeous!
Oh you poor thing. Hopefully it doesn’t happen again. Thanks Courtney for your kind compliment.
So interesting and beautiful. Emily – we are happy to report that the Dove has produced three babies, I didn’t realize that they were probably born a bit ago, because they are quite grown and ready to fly the nest already. I’m thinking this weekend they’ll make their first debut. They are so cute ~
How exciting ! You have dove babies! I bet you’re so thrilled that they are there. It is amazing though for how quickly they grow up.
I love these little guys – I keep watching because the Mother is staying out of the nest now, so it won’t be long before they take their first flight!
What a beauty!! I always long for those unexpected moments that can set your heart racing 🙂
Oh you feel my heart too Sarah. I was so thrilled for the moment. Truly special. Thank you so much.
My pleasure Bella 🙂