The red-tail soars majestically, holding its wings at an angle, called a "dihedral." A master at riding thermals and updrafts, it is also known as a raptor of rapid flight. Its prey does not stand much of a chance! The red-tailed hawk is a generalist--it eats mostly small rodents but also snakes, lizards, rabbits and some birds. It is a large, stout-bodied bird with broad wings and a wide fan-shaped tail. Plumage can vary considerably making it difficult to identify, but look for chestnut-red above, and light underparts.

Its bulky nests of branches and twigs are built high in the crowns of trees. Both parents incubate their two eggs for about 33 days; juveniles fly in 45 days. Fall migration may take this hawk south of the border. The red-tail can be found across the US, and in the summer in southern Canada. It is the most common hawk of North Central Washington.

Visit Red-Tail Canyon Farm just outside of Leavenworth, and you may witness a red-tail stoically perched high on a tree at the edge of a field, waiting patiently to detect a slight movement far below. Once its exceptional vision hones in on a rodent, it will soar down and pounce on its prey with its powerful legs and feet sharp with talons.