A cooperative youngster

If you knew how rarely I come across a Hawk of any kind perched on a fence post near the side of a road! Or else I see one, but can't stop on a busy road. So, I was delighted when I saw this young Swainson's Hawk basking in the sun, when I was on my way home from photographing a Great Gray Owl, NW of the city. I had noticed that my photos weren't coming out "right" when I checked them in camera, so I decided to take my chance and get out of the car. Fortunately, the Hawk stayed right there and my out-of-car photos were totally different. I'm not sure why the earlier shots, taken from inside my car, came out dark and horribly grainy. Just so glad I decided to get out.

My thoughts are with Americans everywhere, today, as they celebrate Memorial Day. I, too, thank all those who have made sacrifices, around the world, so that the rest of us can live in freedom.