Red-tailed Hawk - nictitating membrane
Many birds have a nictitating membrane, a transparent or translucent third eyelid that closes sideways across the eye rather than up and down like conventional eyelids. This thin membrane is used for protecting and lubricating the eye. When this Red-tailed Hawk cleaned its lower beak with its talons, the nictitating membrane closed. I imagine if I had death blades like that, I’d want some protection from accidentally poking myself in the eye too!
It does make for a rather creepy look though.
Keen observers may be able to detect some red around the base of the toes. Viewing the full resolution photograph at 100%, I can see this on both feet. I suspect this is blood from whoever was the hawk’s unfortunate breakfast.
Red-tailed Hawk - nictitating membrane
Many birds have a nictitating membrane, a transparent or translucent third eyelid that closes sideways across the eye rather than up and down like conventional eyelids. This thin membrane is used for protecting and lubricating the eye. When this Red-tailed Hawk cleaned its lower beak with its talons, the nictitating membrane closed. I imagine if I had death blades like that, I’d want some protection from accidentally poking myself in the eye too!
It does make for a rather creepy look though.
Keen observers may be able to detect some red around the base of the toes. Viewing the full resolution photograph at 100%, I can see this on both feet. I suspect this is blood from whoever was the hawk’s unfortunate breakfast.