The Red-Tailed Hawks of Rio Hondo

Among the raptors, Red Tailed Hawk may be the most common and frequently seen, whether soaring through the skies, or perched on point of prominence from which she can scan her surroundings. There have been quite a few photos of Red Tailed Hawk over the years here at the blog. Today, though, while riding along the Rio Hondo, may have been the most unusual sighting - two Red Tails perched on a chainlink fence right alongside the bike path. Not only did they stay perched there while I stopped and took out my camera, but there they remained while I switched from b/w to color, while I turned around and rode back to where they were, and even when the mrs. rode up and we both gawked at them. It finally took a third rider to roll up before one decided it was getting too crowded for comfort and took flight. Even then, the other stayed put. 

"After the world was created, along with its many inhabitants, the winged creatures took flight. Eagle flew the highest, though Red Tailed Hawk also soared high, taking the air just below Eagle. Both had keen eyesight which they used to spot their next meal on the ground far below. One day Eagle and Hawk both spotted their next meal, the same next meal, at the same time and began to fight over who would claim it. Eagle was twice as big as Hawk and much more powerful which, Eagle believed, gave it the right to take the meal. Eagle dove on Red Tailed Hawk with talons outstretched, attempting to grab Hawk as proof of its superior power. Hawk twisted and turned, flying upside down to avoid the attack of Eagle. The shrieks of Eagle and Hawk echoed through the canyon over which they flew warning their prey and giving it a chance to escape."

"Eagles' attacks were relentless and Hawk soon realized she was fighting for her life. Hawk could see no way to escape and was growing weary when Eagle flew straight at Hawk, hitting her with its full body weight to knock her out of the sky. Hawk was sent reeling, spinning from the sky, and hit the ground hard. Her vision was growing dark, yet she could still make out the form of Eagle coming in to finish her off, and she rolled onto her back with talons turned upward in a last stand of defense. Hawks' eyes blazed fiercely in defiance at Eagle; she would not give up without a fight. "

"Eagle landed to finish the battle, standing over Hawk with her beak ready to plunge into Hawks breast. It was then that Eagle noticed the determination in Hawks eyes and, at the last moment, Eagle slashed her own leg, letting her blood flow onto the tail feathers of Hawk, honoring Hawk for her fighting spirit. Ever since that time, Hawk has had red tail feathers and the two, Eagle and Red Tailed Hawk, have shared the skies."

I can't verify the veracity of that legend; though clearly intended to sound as if it came from a Native American tradition, no specific culture of origin was provided where I found it. It does sound good though.

the lake at Peck Park

Omar and coconut at Chalan Rest Stop