Red-tailed Hawk surveying its worldRed-tailed Hawk surveying its world – Nikon D500, f8, 1/1000, ISO 320, +0.3 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light, not baited

I photographed this adult Red-tailed Hawk earlier this year in northern Utah as it perched on a lichen-covered rock surveying its world and thought I would share it today. Red-tailed Hawks are year round residents in northern Utah and I see them out in the deserts, the mountains, the canyons, along the roads I travel and I also see them on the wing. Just seeing them lifts my spirits and reminds me that we all have a place in nature.

Today is kind of an important day for me, for my son and for his family. Today my oldest son is getting married and today the woman he loves becomes a daughter to me. I won’t be there to see them speak their vows but I am there with them in spirit. William and Jen, I love you. I wish you both a long and happy marriage filled with joy. I’m so very happy that you found each other.

Life is good.

Mia