Birds of Prey: Red-tailed Hawk

The Red-tailed Hawk (Buteo jamaicensis) is a bird of prey, one of three species known in the United States as the 'chickenhawk.'  It's diet is mainly small animals but includes reptiles and small birds.  Up to 85% of a this hawk's diet revolves around rodents.  The Red-tailed Hawk either scans for prey from an elevated perch or watches for its prey while flying.  Thanks to the Black Hills Raptor Center and the 2012 Black Hills Photo Shootout, we had the opportunity to spend a morning with this beautiful bird named Elise.

Elise, the red-tailed hawk, has visited over 1,000 classrooms as an educational ambassador for all birds of prey.

Please join us in supporting the mission of the Black Hills Raptor Center by making a donation today at their website.  The center relies on contributions to keep the animal ambassadors ready to greet the community and teach the children about the wonderful, wild world of nature.

And while you are at it, join us on Facebook, Pinterest, Google+ , Twitter, or sneak a peek at our photography on Dakota Visions Photography, LLC.  Until next time, we'll see you behind the lens...

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