Video: Red-tailed Hawk Takes a Bath at the Vernal Pool (Ottawa - Sept. 21)

[Justin Hoffman]

Hello All,
Cool video capture at the small vernal pool yesterday... a red-tailed hawk!
I originally put up a cam here (and placed the log in front and middle) in hopes of attracting an owl. Surprised and pumped to check the card today to discover a red-tailed showed up, and enjoyed a vigorous wash and clean in the water.



Cheers,
Justin

[rodmcd]

Great video. Seems like he is looking around to ensure it is safe before taking the plunge.
rodmcd

[boogaloo]

That was nice to see. Surprised it walked into the bush and didn't fly. I had to look up "vernal" in Websters book. LOL....................Daniel

[Justin Hoffman]

Great video. Seems like he is looking around to ensure it is safe before taking the plunge.
rodmcd

Definitely is cautious. Spotted it on the weekend while hiking to that same cam, flying up into a tree. Hopefully it pays another visit to the trail cam!

[Justin Hoffman]

That was nice to see. Surprised it walked into the bush and didn't fly. I had to look up "vernal" in Websters book. LOL....................Daniel

Haha! I had a feeling 'vernal' might throw some people off. I have the definition of it in the video description to make it easier for those that watch. And yes, I was pretty surprised to see it trudge off in the forest. There is a very large laydown in the area it walked, so I'm guessing it headed up there to dry off and preen.