We noticed a hawk while driving north along the Emmitsburg Road (Business Route 15) on Sunday afternoon.The hawk is perched on a fence next to Bucklyn’s Battery, First Rhode Island Light Artillery Battery E. The Sherfy Barn, as well as the monument to the 114th Pennsylvania are visible across the road in the left of frame. This image was taken facing northeast at approximately 3:10 PM on Sunday, January 29, 2017.

More than a few hawks and kestrels live in Gettysburg National Military Park.This image was taken facing northeast at approximately 3:10 PM on Sunday, January 29, 2017.

This one is a Red-Tailed Hawk. The small mammals that inhabit the battlefield, along with the monuments (which the hawks can use for perch-hunting), provide an attractive home for hawks. The red-tailed hawk in particular is frequently associated with open country and croplands.This image was taken facing northeast at approximately 3:10 PM on Sunday, January 29, 2017.

We went looking for hawks once before in 2008 with LBG Dave Weaver. But this hawk was a surprise. After we pulled over to photograph this red-tail, it hopped off the fence… This image was taken facing northeast at approximately 3:10 PM on Sunday, January 29, 2017.

…and conveniently flew closer to pose for a few pictures.This image was taken facing northeast at approximately 3:10 PM on Sunday, January 29, 2017.

But we were only allowed a few photos of this bird of prey…The top of the Vermont State monument can be seen in the lower left. This image was taken facing northeast at approximately 3:10 PM on Sunday, January 29, 2017.

…before it flew out of frame.This image was taken facing northeast at approximately 3:10 PM on Sunday, January 29, 2017.

It settled down in one of the trees at the nearby Peach Orchard.This image was taken facing east at approximately 3:10 PM on Sunday, January 29, 2017.