Red-tails in the Sunset

With only 20 minutes of light remaining in the day, I decided to get to Sutro Baths to see what might transpire. Upon arrival the scene was quiet but the setting sun seemed to hold promise. A moment later two specks over the distant pines banked in unison and within seconds the resident hawks appeared over my head and hung motionless. Flickering primaries and focused scanning ensued, the pair seemed intent on finding something before night fell. Then the male approached the female in a slow glide with his legs extended and she quickly angled her wings and banked away. She was apparently not interested in his advances and he seemed distracted. His attempts at hunting were hurried and scattershot. She, on the other hand, stayed over one area for a long time. When she committed to her attack the sun had already set on the ocean and it quickly set for her prey, a 2-3 foot snake. Apparently she grasped the wrong end because as she flew away, the snake's head was free and one of the photos shows it, mouth agape, still struggling. When the city is consumed by encroaching night, there is still light to be had near the sea. Even 20 minutes can be revelatory.

The kiting hawks arrive.

The male in orange light.

When kiting turns to diving.

Stretching a leg.

Over the horizon with a hard-won meal.

Grainy, but you can clearly see the snake's mouth open.

Earlier, a freighter came by with precious cargo. That must be how they get that thing back to the east.

After sunset you can reclaim the day with a 40 second exposure, gathering the light and turning the waves into a creeping fog.