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

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.

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.

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