Winters were pretty easy as well
They are robust animals, as comfortable in the cold as they are in the heat. I'd put her out in the winters (sometimes on a block stand as the ground spike ones would not work due to frozen ground), but she would love to sit out in the snow and just gaze around.
Bath time in the winters were tougher. In the garage with carpets (a bunch of "mom cast off" oriental rugs) and her "restaurant bus pan" bathtub tub. She knew what it was, was not afraid of it, would hop right over to it, and do the whole "bird bath fluff." It was funny to see it on a larger bird though. Like a robin but in slow motion.
She'd fluff up post-bath, I'd keep the garage heater on, and she'd face the warm wind, puff her feathers, and dry out. Sometimes I wish I had pictures of some of those "simple" times.
Humble beginnings
She was seven years old when I got her. An Eastern Red Tailed Hawk (aptly named "Hawk") she was a part of my life, my family's life, and who we were for our own 7 years.
When I got her she came with a TON of support gear. jesses, a lead, a few (three) lawn stands (I made a few more out of wood so she had options and a change of pace) a postal scale fitted with a branch on it to weigh her (still have it), and a ton of other elements that make having a bird of prey manageable.
At 16 and a half I took the "falconer license" test (studied for a solid 6 months in advance) and had the DNR in Illinois inspect my "mews" (where she would live). All was in order, and she arrived as quickly as I got all my paperwork in order.
She was SO calm. Never needed the hood, in the car or in crowds of people. Epic bird. Her "thousand-yard" stare would put the chill into just about anyone, but she was just sizing up if you had a piece of meat (snack) for her.
She flew to the glove (oh, ya she came with a glove - still have that as well). It was just a welder glove, but she recognized it, and when it was time to "fly to the glove," all I had to do was hold a snack with the glove, and no matter how far away (like REALLY FAR at times) she'd zone in on the glove and fly directly to me. Just amazing.
She loved the woods
Natural cover, protection, and her true living experience.
Pre-Flight
When she was ready (which was ALL the time) she'd put her wings out and shake a little as she got ready. Lock on to whatever was her target (usually me), and then BOOM, she'd be off. Boy you better be ready, because she was coming in HOT.
Sun time, fun time
I'll admit this shot was more than just "sun time." I actually posted this one up by my mom's flowers to get a picture of her WITH the wildflowers we had growing (planted) in the backyard.
The lady of the house
For a time, she was "the lady of the house." She did not consume our time; she filled it with a grace that only a wild bird of prey could.
She was a fixture of the family, and (go figure) we became known as the "Hawk Family." Not a bad thing and for a time. I was blessed to have her in my life, to care for and feed her, and to fly and live with the joy she brought me and the whole family.
While she is still missed, I know she is flying with and keeping my dad company in "that next place".
Hawk