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Harris's Hawks - A Story in Pictures

On a walk in Granada Park one day, I noticed a row of birds - maybe pigeons - quietly perched on a power line.  At the end of the line, atop a utility pole, there appeared to be a street light shade.

On closer inspection through my camera's zoom lens, it turned out not to be a shade but a bird.  My first novice thought was it's a golden eagle! 
It didn't seem to mind that I approached.  In fact, it seemed oblivious, scratching its cheek on the edge of its perch once or twice.  I prepared to photograph a hunt - those pigeons were still lined up nearby.

  Instead, quite suddenly, another bird flew up from no where, mounting the first bird and creating the impression of a totem pole.

For the next couple moments, the top bird re-positioned itself, while the bottom bird remained mostly still.

After just half a minute, the top bird hopped off and flew away.

I quickly focused the camera on the departing bird, capturing a few shots.

Meanwhile, the first bird stayed back, alone and quiet atop the pole.      

I later identified them as a pair of mating Harris's hawks
.  If only every walk in the park could be as exciting.

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