Supper Time

— This week I was lucky to witness for the first time the balance of nature. In the first half of the week, I spent a couple of days at Inks Lake SP, just about an hour from Austin, Texas. My intention was to spend time surrounded by nature and enjoy the nice spring-like weather we were having. I was able to do some hiking, spend time with friends, and make some great photos.

On a late afternoon hike, I had intended to photograph the setting sun over the lake and extensive pink granite rocks scattered throughout the park. Nature, however, had more in store for me. I literally stumbled upon the scene you see in the photo above. As I stepped onto a short footbridge, I was surprised to see this red-tailed hawk with supper in its claws. I stopped immediately and began making photos and videos. Throughout the entire time, the hawk never moved, even as I tried to approach it within twelve-to-fourteen feet. I had nowhere to go but backtrack or hope the hawk would move. It didn’t. I attempted several things, but the reality was the squirrel was too heavy for the hawk to fly with to a different location. I did not want to interfere with nature taking its course. Eventually, the hawk attempted to move in short flights, or more accurately, in short jumps. After three attempts, it finally found a large boulder on the side of the trail. At that point, I was able to step off the trail and go around the scene. I was lucky to have been carrying a monopod with me and make several photos. This particular capture was my favorite because of the regal and proud look of the hawk. It was not until I got home that I noticed more details in the photo: the squirrel’s last breath with its open mouth and some blood on the hawk’s beak. I could have not created this scene if I had the means to do it. I was lucky to be there at the right time and place. The same cannot be said about the squirrel.