When you think of hawks, you imagine these strong and majestic birds soaring in the skies or even perched on a stout branch of a tall tree. Well, it may come as a surprise to some people, but hawks get hot and thirsty and dirty sometimes. When needing to cool-off from the hot Summer temperatures here in North-Central Florida, hawks sometimes will take a dip in the nearest pond or lake or stream.
I was pretty shocked to find a hawk (I can’t say which kind it is – likely a Red-shouldered Hawk) standing chest deep in the rainfall retention pond along-side the golf course near a main roadway here in our development. I usually see Ibis or Egrets in that spot but never a wading hawk. I took these pictures from the open window of my pick-up truck on July 20, 2014. Please click on the thumbnail image to see the larger picture. Enjoy! Have an outstanding weekend!
Wildlifewatcher's Blog 
Comments on: "A Hawk Cools Off" (7)
that is so cool! i’ve seen them land pond-side here to sip water, but haven’t seen them go in!
Hi Theresa, It was a first for me, too! Have a pleasant afternoon and a really nice weekend!
Now, that is a different sight.. Cool photos. Have a happy weekend!
Hi Eileen, So it is. Have a tremendously nice weekend!
That’s a great capture! I didn’t know that hawks did that, but each summer about this time when it’s really hot, a family of eagles will sit in the water on the other side of the river from me.
Hi Montucky, When I lived up on the lake in Eastern TN, I had seen Bald Eagles fish and actually “Miss” and hit the water. I discussed this with a wildlife biologist who mentioned that yes, Bald Eagles do on occasion get into bodies of water by mistake but do cope with their situation most of the time. Yes, the Eagles do fish or drink on the river’s edge. Glad you saw that in person. I never have seen a Hawk in the water before, though. Have a super Sunday tomorrow! I appreciate your really great comments!
By the way, that particular pond has gone almost completely dry today. We did get a few sprinkles but not enough rain to refill that temporary pond. Wildlifewatcher