Photo Essay: Bath time

I consider myself fortunate to behold amazing bird behaviors each day on this journey. Recently I was approaching a water feature when I realized a juvenile Sharp-shinned hawk had landed and was contemplating bathing. I slowly had my camera ready, and waited nearly 10 minutes before she felt comfortable with me watching, and then she gave in to enjoying the cool water. I hope you enjoy a few frames from this special encounter!

After landing on the edge, she carefully walked out into the water, keeping a watchful eye

With the coast clear she bent down and took a long drink

The nictitating membrane covers her eye as she splashes water over her head and neck

She keeps an eye on me as she shakes water off her plumage

Using her wings to "pick up" water, this position is quite intense!

The water droplets froze in the air as I turned my shutter speed up to capture the motion

In a split second, she disappeared into the thick foliage. I backed away from the camera, and suddenly became conscious of the huge grin on my face. What a special moment! I've seen many birds so far this year, but am grateful for the extraordinary moments that seem to freeze us in time, in tune with every magnificent detail of nature.