These two sibling juvenile Swainson’s Hawks were sorely lacking in patience yesterday as they waited for their parents to deliver voles to them near Montana’s Centennial Valley. Because one of them has an injured leg and can’t stand on an upright perch comfortably for long (and because they prefer to stay together) they spent most of their time on the ground and largely hidden by the grasses. But they could often see at least one of their parents far across the valley as it was hunting and they spent a lot of their time screaming in apparent impatient hunger.
1/2500, f/7.1, ISO 500, Canon 7D Mark II, Canon EF500mm f/4L IS II USM, not baited, set up or called in
But eventually the uninjured bird tired of its perch on the ground next to its sibling and flew to this nearby fence post. I caught the bird in a flight pose I like just as its talons touched the post and as the other bird in the grasses looked on.
Actually, I have an entire sequence as this bird took off and landed and I’ll likely post those images later. But right now, sucky internet access precludes that.
Ron
PS – And here’s another teaser – this time involving the mystery of the old pickup surrounded by the electric fence and parked at the Continental Divide Trailhead. Regular readers will remember that mystery and some of you asked me to let you know if I ever solved it. Well, I solved it today and I’ll be reporting on it soon.
The photos have me wondering about something. Those are pretty big chicks. Parents are still supplying at least some of their food. But soon, they will all be migrating. I’m wondering if the family stays in touch as they migrate, the way Sandhill Crane families do, or are the kids on their own as soon as they start kettleing with other hawks? Does anyone know?
I do hope the injured leg is a temporary thing.
Loved that landing shot, with the sibling watching on.
Hiss and spit on the being teased front. Sigh. I am no more patient than a hungry fledgling.
I love the gesture…the slight twist of the body and the angle of the wings. So graceful and beautiful! Thanks for enduring the “sucky” internet to get this post out!
You are such a tease, Ron! My curiosity about the pick-up has suddenly gotten very strong. 🙂 The shot of the young Hawks is great. The landing position looks rather precarious to me, but I’m sure that if I saw the other photos of the landing I would see that the landing was successful.
Good morning, Ron – love this juvenile especially the position of it’s wings. Can’t wait to see the series on it later. You also have my curiosity at high peak to know what you found out about the truck!! How long before you can fill us in?!!!
Wonderful shot Ron! Thanks for sharing! I know how poor Internet service can be extremely frustratig.
Charlotte
I agree with Patty – You’re gong to tease us and make us wait. Neither can I believe it!!!!!!
Great shots, looking forward to the other shots in the series!
The wings ARE beautiful, but the suspense is UGLY!!!
WHAT???? You’re actually going to make us wait for the solution to the Great Pickup Mystery???? I can’t believe it!!!!! (Nice shot of hawk llanding on post, but cringed at sight of Devil’s Wire)
Besides being a master of photography you are now becoming a master of suspense. Too much Hitchcock readings?
I can’t wait to see that mistery solved.
Great shot.Those wings are wonderful.