This morning I’m off on a new adventure, looking for birds (raptors in particular) in a spectacular area I’ve never visited before so I only have time for a short post.
In past years I haven’t had great luck with Red-tailed Hawks, even though they’re one of the most common raptors in Utah. They always seemed to be perched on telephone poles, which makes for an unattractive perch and unacceptably high angle. Even at take-off I’d generally only get blue sky backgrounds which I don’t find particularly interesting. But in the last couple of months my fortunes with the species have changed.
1/2500, f 7.1, ISO 500, 500 f/4, natural light, not baited, set up or called in
Yesterday morning this juvenile was sitting on an elevated perch and facing away from me, which didn’t give me high hopes for a take-off shot. But it spotted potential prey over its shoulder so when it launched it turned back toward me in the process. I liked the result. The yellows in the background are sunflowers and blooming rabbitbrush.
I removed a portion of the unattractive perch in the lower right corner of the frame. Cloning is something I nearly always avoid doing but in this case I made an exception. I mention it in the interest of full disclosure.
I’ll make another post soon that will also feature this bird but it will have an interesting “twist” from my usual fare.
Ron
What a wonderful amazing incredibly detailed shot! A true masterpiece!
What a perfect capture of this raptor’s grace and beauty… Such amazing animals. You do this so very well (an understatement). I appreciate all the info you put in your descriptions, too!
Thank you Christina. I’m glad the descriptions are helpful to you.
oh, my, what a beautiful shot!
Thanks Tana.
What a beautifully composed image. Love those wing tip feathers. Good work.
Thank you Dwynn. I’m glad you appreciated the composition, I liked it too.
I am selfishly grateful that your fortunes with this beautiful bird have changed. I would also have been happy with it against a blue sky or on an unattractive perch, but this shot is indeed amazing. Thank you. Happy adventuring.
It was a fun adventure Elephant’s Child. Saw some amazing views and a few neat birds.