Five days ago in northern Utah I had my most productive day with Red-tailed Hawks in years. Within just a few minutes I was able to get two takeoff series of red-tails lifting off from sagebrush and I posted one of them a few days ago. This is the second one.
The two series are superficially similar but were completely separate events. I posted one of these images as a standalone last Saturday but I thought readers might like to see it incorporated into the series.
1/2500, f/6.3, ISO 500, Canon 7D Mark II, Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM + EF 1.4 III Extender, not baited, set up or called in
This bird kept looking behind it as if it might take off in that direction. If that happened I didn’t know if it would turn around on its perch before liftoff or possibly give me a dramatic twisting liftoff but in the end it apparently changed its mind and…
1/2500, f/6.3, ISO 500, Canon 7D Mark II, Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM + EF 1.4 III Extender, not baited, set up or called in
began to take off…
1/2500, f/6.3, ISO 500, Canon 7D Mark II, Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM + EF 1.4 III Extender, not baited, set up or called in
in the direction it was facing.
1/2500, f/6.3, ISO 500, Canon 7D Mark II, Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM + EF 1.4 III Extender, not baited, set up or called in
This is the shot I posted five days ago as a standalone – my favorite of the series.
1/2500, f/6.3, ISO 500, Canon 7D Mark II, Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM + EF 1.4 III Extender, not baited, set up or called in
Three frames later the wings of the hawk formed a near-semicircle that pleases my eye for composition.
1/2500, f/6.3, ISO 500, Canon 7D Mark II, Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM + EF 1.4 III Extender, not baited, set up or called in
In this last photo of the series I like the contrasting right angle of the wings and those dangling feet and legs. Soon after this shot the hawk dropped below the sagebrush on the hill and is so often the case in similar situations I then lost sharp focus and began to clip body parts. Those images will be deleted.
I’ve posted so many Red-tailed Hawk photos recently that I’m sure I’m running the risk of readers becoming weary of them so I hope to go easy on red-tails in the near future. But I post what I shoot so who knows what will be coming down the line. To quote Doris Day – “Whatever will be, will be”.
For those old enough to remember that song I hope the ear worm doesn’t drive you nuts this morning (like it’s done to me). 🙂
Ron
Late to the party after a totally bloody day on the crisis line. So glad that I stopped by. I LOVE these images, and the curl of the wing-tips in the fourth and fifth images make my heart soar. And britches.
Megathanks.
Ron,
Love the shots.
Stephen Clayson
Just got back from Borrego Springs and finally can use my computer vs an iPad. With a real monitor, these shots are marvelous. Glad I took a seconds look.
It makes a huge difference, doesn’t it, Frank?
What a wonderful series!!! Esoecially live 4,5,6…but most favorite is #4…tgat’s a class!!! You sure got lucky on this shoot!!!!!!!!
Thanks, Patty. Luck (of one kind or another) is my middle name…
Incredibly beautiful photos. It almost looks ‘staged’. You got such a great performance by this beautiful bird. Such talent you have. Thank you for the photos.
These hawks made me look good, Alice!
Both of these series are so beautiful – they take my breath away – it feels like I am right there with the hawk. Thanks so much for posting your fine photos. They are the highlight of my email each day!
I’m glad you enjoyed them, Jan.
Beautiful group of photos!1 Thanks once again. Never get tired of your pics and explanations.
Thank you, Joanne.
No, seriously who could ever get tired of looking at Red-tails?? Especially when they’re such incredible images as these — love them all. So, if they may be the last for awhile, I’m happy to have them.
Now that I look at #4 again, I think the hawk’s posture, the gaze, that *intensity* of focus makes me think of a conductor with his baton, exhorting his orchestra to play for all they’re worth! Perhaps “Que Sera, Sera”…. 😁
I see what you mean about the comparison to a conductor, Chris.
You just wanted to be known as “The Man Who Knew Too Much — About Photography.” 😉 😀 Nevermind about the earworm (although, thanks a heap); what I really have trouble wrapping my head around is perky Doris Day being in an Alfred Hitchcock movie!
I’m so glad you posted the series. It’s always nice to see where a standalone fits into a complete behavior. #3 and the last shot are giving #4 a run for its money in my favorite department.
(BTW, there’s a hatch going on in the DC eagle nest — pip was yesterday, just in case anyone’s interested.)
Whoops! DC4 is in da howse. 🙂
Nesting season is always an exciting time, Marty. Good luck to those DC eagles!
I meant image # 4…all are great
Great sequence..especially number 3 image…WOW
Thank you, Jerry.
Beautiful, exquisite, wonderful series!!
Thanks, Dick.
P.S. I agree with you , photo number 4 is also my favorite…a truly spectacular photo!
Great series Ron. Love them all.
I’m glad I don’t remember that song by Dorris day. Probably would be in my head all day. I had one recently I’ll bet you remember: “I wish I were an oscermeyer (sp?) wiener…..” Sorry, just had to. Hope it doesn’t stick too long.
I wish I didn’t remember that Doris Day song too, Frank!
Outstanding Ron…and yes..”Que Sera…Sera”..(hope I spelled that right)…Thank you Ron, for what it”s worth, your morning pictures help me start my day …every day…They’re better than my coffee. Your shots are absolutely the best!
That’s says a lot if they’re better than morning coffee, Steve. Thanks.
The fifth photo is an absolute killer, Ron. “Grabbingair” indeed.
I should have used that in my post!
What a fantastic series Ron! Perfection!
Charlotte Norton
Thanks very much, Charlotte.
Beautiful shots, Ron – you did VERY well with what you were able to capture. 🙂 Some times photo’s beat film as the little details that go by too fast to notice unless frozen in time. VERY familiar with “the song” 🙂
You make a good point about comparing photos to film or video, Judy. I notice many, many details in my images that I’d surely miss with other formats. Thank you.