Wildlife / Animals nominee

As in previous years, I went to observe the red-tailed hawk family during the breeding season. Suddenly, I heard the desperate cries of a squirrel beneath a tree not far from their nest. The red-tailed hawk dad quietly flew out from behind me and snatched the squirrel from the raven‘s mouth.

The squirrel’s face is frozen in fear, its wide eyes revealing a desperate struggle against an inescapable fate.

Strength claims, fear resists, yet both are bound by nature’s law.

I am a birdwatcher based in California, where I spend much of my time observing the rich variety of local birdlife. My passion lies in quietly watching birds in their natural habitats, noticing their behaviors, movements, and interactions with the environment. Photography allows me to share these fleeting moments of wild beauty with others, while also deepening my own connection to nature.