I’m surprised by how few Red-tailed Hawks I’ve been able to photograph lately but yesterday morning this juvenile in Box Elder County gave me a few chances.
1/2500, f/7.1, ISO 500, Canon 7D Mark II, Canon EF500mm f/4L IS II USM +1.4 tc, not baited, set up or called in
Sadly I botched most of those chances. The first time I encountered the bird it was perched on a perfect rustic fencepost next to the road in good light but I didn’t see it until it was too late. But later in the morning I found the same bird along the same stretch of road and it gave me a few seconds as it perched on this fence gate-latch post. I think it’s quite a handsome specimen.
Just before it landed here the bird gave me an in-flight opportunity…
1/3200, f/7.1, ISO 500, Canon 7D Mark II, Canon EF500mm f/4L IS II USM +1.4 tc, not baited, set up or called in
and I was able to get a few shots that I like, including this one. The hawk is almost head-on which isn’t usually my favorite angle on a bird in flight but this one works for me for a variety of reasons. Somehow the hawk in this posture reminds me of a B-52 bomber and I also appreciate the fact that I was able to get it in full flight (legs tucked into flight position rather than trailing behind just after take-off). I also like the somewhat unusual background.
Other than Burrowing Owls it’s been a slow raptor summer for me so I hope this bird was a harbinger of better things to come…
Ron
Simply gorgeous!
He is so handsome. I love the way he looks standing on his rustic post. Beautiful image.
Wonderful Ron!
Charlotte
I love that amazing downward sweep. There is such power in that movement.
Flight is an evolutionary miracle I am sad that we didn’t acquire.
Love the spread of the wings, the curl of the feathers, the intensity of the gaze. The plumage is special too.
Thank you, EC.
I love these hawks and am glad you’re seeing them. I always worry about the young ones. A lot of them don’t make it because of inexperienced hunting skills and many other factors stacking fate against them.
“A lot of them don’t make it…”
You’re surely right about that, Patty. Those juvenile birds have a lot to learn before they have the skills and experience to survive, especially through their first winter.
That is a handsome Hawk. You captured the underside of the bird nicely. The feathers are beautiful, and we seldom get to see that side. Nice job Ron!
Thanks very much, Jean.