![A Red-tailed Hawk guards an evening kill in Thornton, Colorado. (© Tony’s Takes)](https://live.staticflickr.com/1953/44217902904_5c97454020_o.jpg)
It isn’t very often these raptors let you get close. However, when there is food involved, they are far more likely to tolerate a human. Such was the case with this beautiful specimen. It had caught some sort of small mammal, likely a rabbit or prairie dog, and was slowly enjoying the meal. With vultures and magpies just a few feet away, it knew if it left, its meal would be gone so it opted to hang around and continue to eat while keeping watch on the interlopers.
![A Red-tailed Hawk guards an evening kill in Thornton, Colorado. (© Tony’s Takes)](https://live.staticflickr.com/1959/30001408727_fb92f999fd_o.jpg)
![A Red-tailed Hawk guards an evening kill in Thornton, Colorado. (© Tony’s Takes)](https://live.staticflickr.com/1922/44217903664_5c6bc43620_o.jpg)