Red-tailed Hawk

Occurring in every county of every state in the lower 48, the Red-tail is one of the most widespread and adaptable species on the continent. They occupy open farmland, urban parks, and highway medians, but eye-level views are rare, the birds preferring elevated perches from which they scan for prey. I was able to approach this confiding individual by using my car as a rolling blind, and I captured this frame out the driver's side window. The sun had barely cracked the horizon, so I was really happy with the soft lighting.

Riverside County, California, 12/3/21
Canon 600mm f/4 IS II + 1.4x III on EOS R5
1/2000 at f/7.1, ISO 1600