This Sharp-shinned Hawk visited our yard in March, 2024, looking for a snack from our selection of yard birds. I watch the hawks for a bit them attempt to chase them away. First, I went out to chase this one away but it stayed put. I went in for the camera and assumed it would be gone when I got back. Nope, It remained perched on this branch attempting to stare me down. I was able to take many photos.
This photo shows its intense stare as the eyes are locked on me as I stood motionless with my camera. It also shows the detailed feathers of the face and breast.
Why is this photo so tightly cropped? I moved into a position so the background was the width of the tree I used for the backdrop. Beyond the borders of this photo is a blurred branchy mess.