Parts of the Centennial Valley were loaded with Prairie Falcons yesterday morning. At one point an apparent family of five of them played hopscotch with my pickup for about 7 miles along a very remote dirt road. It was frustrating because typical of the species they never allowed me a close approach but it sure was fun to watch them as they cavorted with each other in the air and occasionally swooped in on my truck.
I believe we saw at least 10 different falcons (both adults and juveniles) within about two hours.
1/3200, f/6.3, ISO 500, Canon 7D, Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM + 1.4 tc, not baited, set up or called in
But this was the only bird that let me get very close and naturally it was on a power pole. Regular readers know how much I dislike these poles in my photos but this was such a good look at an elusive species that I decided to post it anyway – clipped wing, wire and all.
Another special sighting yesterday was a Northern Pygmy Owl with rodent prey. I was able to get many photos of it but the setting was busy and the lighting difficult so I may (or may not) wait until I get home to post any of them so I don’t have to process them on this unreliable laptop.
Ron
PS – Several thoughtful readers messaged me yesterday about possible solutions to my focusing problems with my 7D Mark II. I should find out this morning if those problems are solved. If they’re not this may be another morning of wasting opportunities with birds on a malfunctioning camera.
Prairie Falcons are beautiful birds. Glad you got to spend some time with them. And I hope you found the solution to your camera problems. I’d love to see the Pygmy Owl photos, busy background or not.
Hi! So glad you’s are having a great time and good shooting photo’s! great you are seeing so many birds! Have fun!
How wonderful to see so many prairie falcons at once. And of course they were playing with you. As they do.
I get too frustrated trying to get a shot of shy birds, so I just sit back and enjoy the show.
Sounds like you’re having fun with those birds…or they are with you…or both!
Ah prairies. I’ve often thought how much fun it would be to fly a tiercel (male) prairie, but I gotta get this move done first. Well, and learn how to use the telemetry. Redtails and HHs don’t give you any practice with that. That telemetry thing explains your struggle in catching them for a photo. But prairies are just too cool.
It’s all in how you hunt your hawks. For example, telemetry is highly recommended when soar hawking redtails in the wide open desert or during warmer late season weather when thermals are common. Its also handy when the hawk is chased by an aggressive wild hawk.
The best time to get familiar with your telemetry is before you really need it. Attach it to a friend’s car or bicycle and practice locating your transmitter until you’re proficient enough to put it into play when your hawk is lost and every second is critical in hopes of a successful recovery.
Hi Mark…of course, you’re right. I haven’t yet hunted in the desert. North Texas was the closest I came to that and when I started, soaring was a strict NO! Then, Gerald Richards happened, but she was already conditioned to hunt from tall perches–MY fail. Following Harry McElroy’s advice, they always wear telemetry. It’s just that I rarely get to use it–just once with the HH when he caught his cottontail INSIDE a stack of railroad ties! When I get to Arizona, however, (imminent) I’ll do a lot more practicing.
That would be fun to watch even if they were “playing” with you and not feeling photogenic at the moment! 🙂 Like the shot even if not perfect!
Hope the camera problem has been solved.
There are no “bad” Prairie Falcon shot. Hope your gear isn’t down for the remainder of your trip. All the same, your backup is doing well. It’s the guy pressing the shutter button…I am convinced of that. Good luck and have fun…we’re all living your journey with you through this blog.
Sounds like fun, even if it was frustrating.
Charlotte
Every time we get a chance to click that shutter, there is a little “whoopppeee” that goes up inside of us. No matter
if the shot is perfect. We are in the field, and we’re having fun. Yes, sometimes there are poles, wires, and sticks
in the wrong place, and sometimes the lighting is just lousy, but no matter, we’re having fun. When we get old, and
are no longer able to “go far afield,” we’ll look back on these precious moments, and say “thanks” Good luck getting
your Mark II problem resolved. ;-)))
Roger, I enjoy seeing and photographing Prairie Falcons anytime – even when I dislike the setting. Thanks for the good wishes regarding my camera.