Startled Hawk, 2026, watercolor, 8 x 7 in. / 20.32 x 17.78 cm.

Startled Hawk, Lisa Leibig-Zimmerman, 2026, watercolor, 8 x 7 in. / 20.32 x 17.78 cm.

A hawk captured mid-flight, wings and tail fully fanned, looking down startled as he reorients himself mid-air. I was watching this hawk when my phone rang and captured him as he left his perch. Granulating colors emphasize his rufous breast, with cool grays for his banded wings and feathers.