Orange County Birds In Photos: Smirking Red Tails, Great Egrets

SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO, CA — In Orange County, we're all for the birds. San Juan Capistrano resident photographer Kristine Erickson regularly sets out into her community with a camera and trained eye to capture photos of Orange County wildlife.

Erickson shares her photos with the rest of the community via Facebook, giving residents a bird's-eye view into the lives of Orange County birds.

On Wednesday, Erickson caught a fluffed-up red shouldered hawk while taking a hike at San Juan Creek. Erickson compared the bird's coat to a "Game of Thrones" outfit, and we at Patch can certainly spot the resemblance.

The red shouldered hawk is a medium-sized hawk native to the California coast and parts of Mexico. This one in particular appears to be surveying the land, or maybe he's just puffed up because he feels especially important.

On Sunday, Erickson encountered a great egret sunbathing while on the La Novia Bridge in San Juan Capistrano. Clearly, this elegant bird knows it's angles.

Variations of the great egret are found across the world, and they are most easily identified by their long "s-shaped" necks and sharp yellow bills.

Erickson also encountered a red tailed hawk while walking San Juan Creek on Friday. While red tailed hawks are relatively common sights in south Orange County, this one has a curious look in his eyes — and on his beak.

"What's that smirk? It's Friday!" Erickson said of the photo on social media.