Red-Shouldered

Artist Statement: I took this photo on a walk while visiting Arroyo Grande, California. This juvenile red-shouldered hawk sat among branches above a flooded creek, patiently watching warblers and hummingbirds fly daringly across its path to the eroding banks below. Enthralled by its attentiveness and expression, I captured over 600 photos as it scrutinized the world, only sometimes glancing toward me and my camera. This photo stood out to me as it captured the intent in the hawk’s eyes as it watched the water beneath.