Is this thing on?
A 54-second clip of a hawk checking itself out on a weather camera has already racked up thousands of views since surfacing on the Internet on Monday.
The of Lincoln, Nebraska, posted the video on YouTube with the caption: 鈥淣obody probably thought they would see something like this today.鈥 The bird is seen getting up close and personal with the lens, shooting bewildered looks at it and trying to figure out what鈥檚 on the other side. At times it turns its head upside down and opens its mouth, as if to say, 鈥渋s anyone really there?鈥
We spoke to 探花精选 Nebraska鈥檚 bird expert, who thinks the cameo was made by a Red-tailed Hawk, probably a juvenile because of its characteristic white chest and thick, dark belly streaks. He even has a theory for its curious behavior. 鈥淚t looks as if it may have seen its reflection,鈥 Jason "the Bird Nerd鈥 St. Sauver says. 鈥淢any young or male birds do this thinking they see a rival for territory or mates."
Or, it could just be the bird's vanity showing through. 鈥淧erhaps it thought it was as handsome as we all did!鈥 Sauver jokes. Whatever the case, the hawk got its 50 seconds of fame for the day, and gave us a giant reason to smile.