It’s pretty unusual to be able to see small prey in the talons with a topside view of a hawk in flight.
1/2000, f/6.3, ISO 500, Canon 7D, 500 f/4, 1.4 tc, not baited, set up or called in
This light morph Rough-legged Hawk had been hunting voles along the causeway to Antelope Island and usually it would consume the prey on the ground before it took off again. But this time it took off with the vole and found a different, more secluded dining area before eating it.
I like the combination of eye contact, the slight bank that allows a look at the topside of the bird and the view of the head of the vole. Normally one wouldn’t be able to see the vole and the top of the hawk at the same time because the prey would be hidden under the tail but here the bird has twisted its tail for a moment which allows us to see the vole.
I enjoy these small bits of serendipity when they happen.
Ron
You (North America) really do have some appealing raptors!
Would be such an exciting view for the vole, were it not for the talons of death!
Ron:
“Serendipity always rewards the prepared.” – Katori Hall – American playwright
Terrific photo.
Dave
Dave, I don’t know many photographers more prepared than you. So I’ll assume that you and Katori Hall know what you’re talking about and thank you for the compliment.
This image is so sharp that I could blow it up enormously to look at the critter’s head and identify it before I read your post. WOW!
This individual looks as if there are white “racing stripes” where the body meets the wings. Is this common in rough legged hawks?
I too noticed those stripes when I posted this, Pam. I don’t recall noticing them on a perched bird and we seldom see the topside view with the wings out. Perhaps they only show when the wings are extended? Anyone know?
Hi Ron, Just a quick addition. At the moment (today and yesterday) the ‘notify me of follow-up comments by email’ option appears to be having a hissy fit. It could well be a screw loose in the operator sort of thing, but yours is the only blog I am having problems with.
Elephant’s Child and I have been in contact about this issue and she says the problem may have resolved itself. Let’s hope so!
Serendipity is one of my favourite words and concepts. Just the same, this serendipity seems to me to be more a case of being rewarded for the ‘hard yards’. Persistence, and dedication paying off.
Perhaps a little bit of both, Elephant’s Child…
Another wonderful capture! I don’t comment every time, but please know that EVERY post of yours is so very much enjoyed and appreciated for your photographic skill and for the always interesting commentary.
So very nice to hear, Pamela. Thank you.
Ah … to one day capture such beautiful images! What perfect timing. Really enjoy the text that accompanies your photos, as we can all appreciate the details that much more.
Delighted to hear you think the narrative adds to the images, Patricia.
Ron, without your comments I might have missed the vole head. Thanks for your photo and your remarks. I rarely see the coopers around here carry something away. They mostly grab, pluck and feast.
I agree, the vole’s head isn’t very conspicuous, Diana but it’s small and at this angle we’re lucky to see it at all.
Crushed it Ron!
Thank you, Jerry.
Wonderful shot Ron! Thanks for sharing!
Charlotte
Thanks, Charlotte.
Boy, if anyone deserves serendipity, it’s someone with your dedication and constancy! I can imagine how your working knowledge of the birds enhances your pleasure when you get a special angle like this!
I don’t know if I “deserve” it, Allison but I’ll surely take it when it happens. Thank you.
Beautiful photo Ron, very crisp and sharp. Is this with a 7D or 1D body ?
Thanks, Ed. Virtually all of my photography is done with one of two 7D’s – including this image. I guess I should start including that info in my techs (I’ve just now added it here and will try to remember in the future but I’m such a creature of habit it may or may not happen…)