Secrets of the Cliff

Utah's cliffs are pockmarked by time.

Wind has eroded pockets of darkness into the rocks

The raptor is almost hidden against this almost barren landscape. Do you see it?

Look toward the dark spot in the center of the photograph, in the grassy area. But what does this Red-tailed hawk carry?

 Something dangles from its dangerous beak. A closer view of the rocks gives us a clue as to what it might be.

To the right, just under an overhang, shaded from the glaring sun are the nests of Cliff swallows.  Baby swallows would be a tempting meal to the larger bird.

Once predator has met the young prey it circles, then sores . . . 

 . . . its red tail spreads against the blue, catches the sun then the raptor is gone and life goes on for the swallows who remain.

Are they aware of the danger they have just survived or do they go on, living the life they they have . . . this one and no other.