African Harrier Hawk

Partway through our game drive on our last morning at Chitwa Chitwa, I spotted a fairly large bird in some trees a short distance from the vehicle, and our guide Surprise quickly realized that it was a hawk that had been successful hunting.  We headed closer but the hawk was definitely not too comfortable with our presence and headed for a new tree as soon as we got too close.  After that happened twice, we moved on to allow him (or her) to enjoy breakfast in peace.

It was such a cool sighting and I am very grateful I was able to capture it.

Have a great evening!

An African harrier hawk flies with a green spotted wood snake in its mouth. 1/1000 sec, f8.0, ISO 320
An African harrier hawk flies with a green spotted wood snake in its mouth.
1/1000 sec, f8.0, ISO 320
Coming in to land
Coming in to land
He seemed to be settling in to have breakfast, but soon changed his mind and was off again. 1/1000sec, f8.0, ISO 280
He seemed to be settling in to have breakfast, but soon changed his mind and was off again.
1/1000sec, f8.0, ISO 280
We moved the vehicle and for a few moments, had a closer vantage point.
We moved the vehicle and for a few moments, had a closer vantage point.
Off again 1/1000sec, f5.6, ISO 140
Off again
1/1000sec, f5.6, ISO 140
The poor snake had tied itself into a knot while clutched by the hawk.
The poor snake had tied itself into a knot while being clutched by the hawk.
One last view before he was off.
One last view before he was off.
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