You may have been so lucky as to have had a similar experience, even if you didn’t realize it. If you’ve seen a hawk in Yosemite, it’s likely that it was a red-tailed hawk. The fact is, not only are these skilled predators the most common hawk in Yosemite, but in all of North America. Even if you haven’t seen a red-tailed hawk you have probably heard one, especially if you have ever watched old western movies. The use of audio of the red-tailed hawk’s unmistakable screech has long been a common Hollywood practice.