A Chance Encounter

As I was making my way up Hewitt Canyon, I could see off in the distance several Harris Hawk’s perched in a large Saguaro Cactus. Harris Hawk’s are one of the few species that seem to have a loose camaraderie with others of their kind. While most hawks lead a relatively solitary existence, other than with their mate, Harris Hawk’s often congregate. I am not sure if this is a hunting tactic or if they are simply being social.

Anyhow, as I continued my approach, all but one flew off. The remaining hawk sat, seeming undisturbed as the distance between us shrank.  Deciding  I had better not push my luck, I retrieved my camera and quickly switched lenses to the largest zoom I had. The hawk continued his stoic pose, appearing as if he could care less what I was doing.

I managed to get several great photos, one of which I made into the acrylic painting posted below.

Author: Ralph Sellers

First of all, let me borrow a line from the Grateful Dead...what a long strange trip its been. I grew up in Appalachia, not far from Wheeling, West Virginia. I decided at seventeen that working in the coal mines was not for me and soon found myself standing at an on-ramp with my thumb out. It was the Sixties and adventure beckoned. I'm a self taught artist, primarily focusing on the natural world. I enjoy painting the flora and fauna of this beautiful planet. I currently live in Arizona, and most of my recent works reflect the inhabitants of the Sonoran desert. View all posts by Ralph Sellers