I recently witnessed this Red-tailed Hawk catch a vole, and then proceed to toss it about. It would fling the little guy into the air with its talon, over and over again, jumping as it executed each toss. This photo depicts a "flying" vole, after a particularly fine toss.
Steve- Nicely captured. I've never seen this before. If may be an example of "play" in a predator. Play is considered to give valuable practise in handling prey.
Great shot Steve. I especially liked the whole sequence on your web site. I didn't know red-tailed hawks played with their food. I think this is a light phase juvenile.
I saw your whole series of these and must say you got some great stand alone images. If your out and about enough these are the kid of things we get to see. Good stuff!