Blue-Gray Gnatcatcher Defending Its Turf

This beautiful Red-tailed Hawk was perched atop the highest snag in this section of Powhatan Creek a few days ago, illuminated by the morning sun.  As I was photographing it, I noticed a Blue-gray Gnatcatcher "mobbing" the hawk, in what likely was an effort to protect eggs or nestlings.  Gnatcatchers breed in the area every spring.  The little guy's efforts were successful, as the hawk opted to relocate shortly after I snapped this photo.

~Jim Easton