Red Car Canyon: Red Tailed Hawk Sought Relief From Heatwave In Neighbor's Fountain

Guest post by: Cole Hammes

Photo: Cole Hammes, July 1, 2013.  We saw the Red Tailed Hawk drinking and bathing in the next door neighbor's fountain. It was late afternoon and the temperature was very hot. (Click on photos to enlarge.)

Photo: Cole Hammes, July 1, 2013.  We saw it fly in and stay at the fountain for about 5 to 7 minutes, bathing its plumage. The other hawk was nearby in the tree in our yard calling.

This is the first time we have observed it in the fountain and it was so neat. I have seen it in the trees and the ravine (Red Car Canyon) many times.

One day I was out with my friend in the ravine when the hawk landed 7 feet away from us !!!

Editors note: Cole Hammes is 10 years old, a Red Car Canyon neighbor and taking a class in news reporting.  I'd also like to point out, the hawk has very wisely chosen this fountain.  The adjacent apple tree likely attracts its favorite prey: squirrels.