Unacceptable Rypstra
462 (3) (WS) Mantling
A Red-tailed Hawk mantling a lure at the Northwest Raptor Center.
The adrenaline involved in taking down prey/lure is such that after landing it takes a good five or more minutes for the raptor to let go of it's catch. Mantling hides their catch from other predators while they recuperate from the hunt and eat.
As the hawk landed near the edge of the flying field, just in front of me, I didn't think twice about laying down in the dirt to capture this behaviour.
Please don't use this image on websites, blogs, etc. without my permission.
462 (3) (WS) Mantling
A Red-tailed Hawk mantling a lure at the Northwest Raptor Center.
The adrenaline involved in taking down prey/lure is such that after landing it takes a good five or more minutes for the raptor to let go of it's catch. Mantling hides their catch from other predators while they recuperate from the hunt and eat.
As the hawk landed near the edge of the flying field, just in front of me, I didn't think twice about laying down in the dirt to capture this behaviour.
Please don't use this image on websites, blogs, etc. without my permission.