Today I present some older Red-tailed Hawk images I haven’t posted previously (though I have posted other photos of some of these birds).
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
I found this one in Farmington in September of last year. The bird had a freshly-caught vole in its left foot and when this image was taken I believe it was trying to decide whether to eat the rodent on this post or flee with it to a higher, safer perch. I like the resulting defiant look. The spotted background is due to dark phragmites seed heads. The already bulging crop indicates that the bird had recently fed but in the end the hawk consumed the vole right where it was and it did so with gusto. I’ll spare you the gory details in other photos.
Each of the following images was taken on Antelope Island on different days in late summer of 2012.
1/2000, f/8, ISO 500, Canon 7D, Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM + 1.4 tc, not baited, set up or called in
This image may not appeal to some because the hawk doesn’t stand out particularly well against the rocky cliff background (in retrospect I wish I’d been at f/6.3…) but I like it because it tells the story of this bird’s preferred hunting technique so well. Time and again it would perch at the top of these rocks and cliffs and scan the open prairie grasses below for voles. When it spotted something it would typically jump off the rocks and perform a long, steep glide toward the prey, which is what it is doing here. The fanned and lowered tail helps to tell that story as does the focus of the bird’s eyes on the potential prey.
I can’t remember if any prey was caught on this attempt but probably not. This juvenile was an obviously inexperienced hunter and most of the attempts it made were failures.
1/2500, f/8, ISO 500, Canon 7D, Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM, not baited, set up or called in
Regular readers of my blog know that I hate it when I clip wings in my images but I like this shot despite the double-clip. Most of the bird is very sharp (at least the parts we can see) and I like the good look at the extended legs and talons and the nice light on the head. The hawk is well isolated from the background and I think the habitat adds a lot.
Lately I’ve been posting more older images than usual and there are good reasons for that – among them the fact that we’re in a weather pattern that consistently delivers dreary, cloudy mornings and that trend is forecast to continue for the foreseeable future. Throw in a plumbing fiasco in my home that occupied most of my time for two entire days and it’s been a while since I’ve been able to go shooting in good light.
Hopefully there’ll be a morning “sucker hole” in the clouds soon and I’ll be able to scratch my bird photography itch once again. It had best happen soon though because I already have cabin fever.
Ron
Looking at these beautiful images of Red-tailed hawks beats plumbing any day Ron. I love the top one, the brownish hues, the eye, the nice white chest feathers / crop against the interesting background is beautiful. Good luck with the plumbing, and hopefully a storm comes through and blows in some cold clear air.
Plumbing? I hope your issues are resolved quicker, cheaper and without the ‘collateral damage’ that went hand in hand with ours.
Love the heart balm of all of these images. The camoflague is excellent, and the intent gaze amazing.
Thank you – and I hope the weather is kind to you. And us.
Well EC, it was neither quick nor cheap but there was no collateral damage and 1 out of 3 is better than my usual track record with plumbing problems.
That first photo is gorgeous! I really liked the second one BECAUSE the hawk blended so well. It’s a nice study on their camo techniques. 😀
Good point about that second shot, Arwen.
I find great pleasure in seeing such a healthy looking, obviously well-fed chunk of a bird! It tells me that there’s a good food source and this bird knows how to hunt successfully…reassuring! Beautiful, strong images!…
Thanks very much, Patty.
I really like all of these shots. The second one is good because it shows how camouflaged these birds can be in some of their usual habitat. (I’m thinking of trying to distinguish Great Horned Owls from the rocks they live on at Hueco Tanks, as another example). The last shot, despite the clipped wings is very nice for the detail it shows, and especially the beauty of the bird’s face. Hope you get to go out shooting soon!
“trying to distinguish Great Horned Owls from the rocks they live on”
Been there, done that, Susan, so I know what you mean. They can be there right out in the open but against those rocks (instead of a skyline) they can be almost impossible to spot.
I, too, love these redtail photos – that warrior expression on the first, and the bright bead of blood at the feet, the intentness of the second, with its spectacular wings and rock backdrop, and the exquisite musculature so beautifully lit on the third. You bring the outdoors to us so beautifully, and here it is sustaining you and entertaining us in the midst of life’s many woes! Thanks and best of luck on all fronts.
“the bright bead of blood at the feet”
Good eye to notice that, Alison. I appreciate the sentiment in your comment.
Just lovely, Ron! Yes, you can factor in that I’m a fool for redtails, but still. I love seeing the clarity of those exquisite details. Personally, I love it that the hawk in the second shot (flying), blends in with the background somewhat–it’s what they do as often as possible. Passage (first-year) redtails are often just spectacular–oh those baby eyes. They just melt my heart, especially when paired with a full crop and another meal in their talons–and that defiance! Then, there’s the intensity of their focus and the sheer beauty of those wings…oh just sigh! And yes, I am a complete and utter fool for redtails. Have I mentioned that? 😀
Thank you for these lovely images this morning and I’m really sorry about the plumbing issues. But there’s the bright side that you’re finished with it now. Wishing you blue skies and perfect photography opportunities today!
I thought of you when I was composing this post, Laura – knowing how much you love red-tails.
Yes, the plumbing mess is behind me now, except for my credit card balance…
Wonderful shots, Ron – love the “I dare you…” of the first one and the detail in the other 2.:) At least the “mundane” house stuff that needed immediate attention hit when the weather wasn’t great! Hope the weather cooperates soon. 🙂
“At least the “mundane” house stuff that needed immediate attention hit when the weather wasn’t great!”
You’re right, Judy – I need to remember to look at the bright side but I hate plumbing at least as much as I do clipped wings in my photos!
Very nice shots Ron – Ah, the inexperience of youth!
Thanks for sharing!
“Ah, the inexperience of youth!”
Ha, at first I thought you were referring to me, Dick. Fat chance…
Love the background colors. Here’s wishing you many sunny days to come.
Thanks, Nancy. I need’em in more ways than one!