Maybe...but I think she's just had a bath.This female Red-shouldered hawk surprised me twice, the first time when she started calling. I didn't know she was anywhere around, let alone on the roof right in front of me. I nearly jumped out of my skin! The second time was when I noticed she was all wet.
Hawks bathe too, just like other birds, but it changes their appearance pretty dramatically. 
And I can't resist sketching birds and animals when they are in their natural and imperfect state doing the funny things they do. So much fun! I'll show you the completed version of this sketch when its finished. And if you'd like to see more images of these unruly feathers, visit my recent post at Vickie Henderson Art. To see all my posts on this pair of nesting Red-shouldered hawks, click the link.
Oh, Vickie, that is hilarious and so cute.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great job on the head and the brief brush strokes on the body. I think I like her as it is, but it will be interesting to see what you do with her.
annie
Thanks, Annie! It was fun just to try to capture her expression.
ReplyDeleteThat beak is FANTASTIC. They are SO hard to get right...beautiful curve, lovely shadows..
ReplyDeleteWow, thanks Kate.
ReplyDeleteThis made me SMILE! My, but she certainly does look differently when her "hair" is all wet! Terrific sketch -- I'll look forward to seeing it finished!!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Brenda!
ReplyDeleteGenial este trabalho ! Wonderful !!!
ReplyDeleteYou have the greatest birding adventures! That expression is just perfect.
ReplyDeleteThat made me chuckle. I've never seen a wet hawk but yes, it makes sense, they need to bathe too. I guess I can't imagine them being anything other than sleek and dignified, not all bed-head and bedraggled. Wonderful art work.
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