A Buteo Valentine's Day!

Walking along the Red Cedar River this afternoon, I spied some crows harassing a red-tailed hawk as it flew over.  I silently wished the hawk well, commiserating about how it feels to have people/birds bother you everywhere you go.  A few minutes later, the hawk returned and perched about 20 yards away from me.  I slowly got closer to my new friend until I was as close as I felt comfortable, not wanting to scare it away from its new found peace.  For about an hour I stood mesmerized.  What a beautiful animal.