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Immature Coopers Hawk (Louis) Dines on a suburban delecacy on a wall of the Castillo de San Marcos (built in 1672, 300 years before my birth), St. Augustine, Florida.

Louis was originally on a wall opposite this photo's location, and had moved because of tourists. I carefully followed Louis to his new table and worked very carefully not to disturb his meal.

Sony F828/F2/300
Distance: 4 ft

Took almost 10 minutes to get this close, everytime he went for a nibble, i sneaked closer.

Apparently, althought they have incredible sight, they have poor depth perception relying on motion to give their subjects distance. Moving directly toward Louis, when he wasn't looking at me kept my distance a secret.

As he decapitated his meal, the feathers and corn bits were everywhere, even landing on my sneakers. It was a moment with nature I will remember forever.

A child came running up on the scene to get as close as I was, ending the reservation.