Whenever I catch this posture at takeoff I’m always impressed by the physical effort and athletic ability required to become airborne. The timing between push-off with the legs, the first downbeat of the wings and the spreading of the tail must be immaculate. And it all requires great strength.
1/1600, f/6.3, ISO 1600, Canon 7D Mark II, Canon EF500mm f/4L IS II USM +1.4 tc, canvas added for composition, not baited, set up or called in
This light morph Swainson’s Hawk was perch-hunting yesterday morning in a small valley adjacent to the Centennial Valley when it spotted prey and took off downhill. There was very little light but I needed plenty of shutter speed thus the high ISO setting and noise in the background. The bird pursued prey on the far side of the hill but it came out of the grasses empty-taloned and then returned to this same perch.
Hopefully when I return home and have decent internet access I’ll be able to tell the rest of the story of this bird with more photos and text. For now that’s an impossible task.
Today I drive 300 miles further north to camp out at the family farm and attend my 50th high school reunion. Another adventure begins…
Ron
PS – I wish you all could have seen the stars this morning at 4 AM. They were incredible!
Spectacular shot Ron!
Charlotte
What a launch! I love the way the tail is popped up. ;D
This is an amazing and beautiful photograph. The bird looks very casual about this take-off, like it didn’t require much effort. I really like the background, too, including the way the top color picks up one of the colors on the wing.
Great shot, love the colors, beautiful hawk.
Enjoy your family farm. Hope you see the great horned owls. Travel safely.
Ooooh.
Strength, grace, style. And britches.
Echoing Jo Ann. Did you take photos of the star spangled sky?
BRAUTIFUL!!! I hope the reunion went well. Love the “fling” from the post and especially love what the feathers at the wing tips are doing….beautiful!
I-AM-GOING-TO- DO-SOMETHING-DRASTIC-TO-THIS- GD- IPAD!!!!!!!!!!! I am SICK of its games!!!!!
Terrific timing! You’re right about marveling at the exertion it must take to launch from a perch like that. I have trouble getting out of the recliner! LOL!
Sorry to have been absent for awhile. Hopefully, will be able to somewhat keep up with you again!
Wow Ron, Love the photo but what I wanted to comment on was your PS!! I’ve mentioned the Green Cay Nature center that I love to go to – to walk, see the wildlife & take photos. One of the other pluses is their lovely Nature center itself w/exhibits, meeting space, gift shop & also a little 12 seat theater where there show nature films. One time the video was on the sky & how the increasing light produced by we humans is making it harder & harder to see the stars. It is places out west where there are still places where a total lack of light makes it possible to see the stars the way the Indians could. I’m happy for you that you had that experience, Ron!! Did you take any photos by any chance??!!!