The red-tail hawk's heart-stopping courtship ritual . . . in time for Valentine's Day

 Oregon's Ankeny Wildlife Refuge

Red-tail hawks are familiar to most of us because they perch conspicuously on places like freeway light and sign posts. As Valentines are being passed indoors, be aware that red tail hawks are likely nearby outdoors practicing dangerous love. During spectacular courting shows, a male and female might grab onto one another's talons and plummet to the earth before pulling away at the last moment.