Red-tailed Hawk – Intensity At Take-off

Raptors at take-off typically have a “focused” look about them – they’re all business.  But I thought the intensity of purpose of this Red-tailed Hawk was particularly evident.

 

red tailed hawk 5770 ron dudley

 1/3200, f/7.1, ISO 500, 500 f/4, 1.4 tc, natural light, not baited, set up or called in

Red-tails are “perch-and-wait” hunters so when they take off after prey they already have their eye on it and their focus is seldom diverted as they swoop in for the kill.   This juvenile was hunting voles from an elevated rock perch on Antelope Island several months ago.

I’ve had few opportunities with red-tails since all the snow piled up around here.  Hopefully that will soon change…

Ron

7 Comments

  1. I’m always awes by your shots Ron. Beautiful capture of this great raptor!

  2. I love the “sculptured” appearance of the body! Freezing an instant in flight gives such a new view– thank you!I’m glad I’m not on the receiving end of that intensity…

  3. He knows where he’s going and what he will do and ain’t nothin gonna stop him. Love this picture and the ones from yesterday, been looking at them along with others from your website all morning while recovering from the flu. Thank you So very much for sharing these jewels.

  4. Sort of like a cruise missile heading for its programmed target! Love the richness of the colors.

  5. “The focus of intent”…Wonderful Photo Ron !

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