We had some really good opportunities with Red-shouldered Hawks during my recent Florida workshop, and this was one of those moments that unfolded fast.
I had been watching this bird hunting along the edge when it dropped down and made a play for a frog—came up empty—and circled back to reset on a perch. As it turned in, this Boat-tailed Grackle came out of nowhere and started all over it.
That’s pretty typical this time of year. Smaller birds don’t hesitate to go after something bigger, especially during nesting season. If there’s a nest nearby, anything with talons becomes a problem, and they’ll push hard to move it along. The hawk just stayed on course and took the heat—no panic, just kept flying.
What I like about this frame is how clean it is—blue sky, no distractions, and both birds in position. Behaviour, timing, and being ready—that’s the whole game right there.
This is the kind of moment we’re always working toward—brief, unpredictable, and gone just as fast. If you’d like to be part of it, I’ll be heading back to Florida next April for another round of workshops.