Date: 04/08/2006

Number: 1

A chilly wind ruffled the tawny hilltop grass, it didn't feel like 50 degrees. High against the deep sky blue a red flash burst. A great hawk swept past, riding wind swirls above the gulley. The sleek body and great, wide wings changed from tawny gold to orange and yellows - the rising colors of grass rebounding on sunlight. A sharp "kree, kree" from the underbelly of a passing cloud announced the presence of a second hawk that whirled downward like a wind wraith. Chittering, the redtails skydanced circling close in tight spirals as they chased each other. Then one would sweep wide in a 1/2 mile wide circle as the other rose out of sight on a thermal almost at the speed of light. They rode outstretched wings, gliding with no movement except wingtips flaring to control their direction. How beautiful flight is in the presence of masters! I couldn't decide if they were hunting or simply dancing for the sheer joy of life.

Marne, MI

Latitude: 43.1 Longitude: -85.9

Observed by:
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