A juvenile Red-tailed Hawk perched in a tree, being harassed by several starlings in an act known as mobbing. The most prominent feature is a large hawk perched on a lower branch. It has light-colored eyes, streaked brown and white plumage on its chest, and barring on its undertail coverts, identifying it as a juvenile Red Tailed Hawk. Scattered on the branches above the hawk are several much smaller, dark-colored starlings. These smaller birds engage in "mobbing" behavior, a common defense strategy where they gang up to pester and drive away a predator from the area. The birds are in a deciduous tree that is mostly bare, with only a few withered yellow leaves clinging to the branches, suggesting an autumn or winter setting. There are also some green coniferous branches visible in the lower foreground. The background is a clear, bright blue sky. The smaller birds are likely working together to alert others to the predator's presence and make it difficult for the hawk to hunt, forcing it to leave the area.

The starlings thought they were being tough, but the hawk told them they were barking up the wrong tree if they thought he was leaving before the sun set.

(Earlier tonight actually) 😏

#Birds 🌿🦅🐦 #Art #Photography #OhMyDouglas #AlwaysBeHawkward #MobMentality #TreeMendousView #DarkWaterPhotoMedia