I think all birds, in the right setting, can make an excellent photo. I don't go looking for raptors more than any other bird. That being said, there is something about the look in their eyes that really grabs your attention. It reminds me of "determination" or "intensity".
This raptor was hanging out in a cow pasture looking at a flock of Canadian geese. The geese were slightly larger than the raptor and didn't seem worried what so ever. Shot was taken during golden hour, you can see the front side of the bird illuminated by the setting sun.