I’m pretty sure this vole bit the hawk’s foot.
1/2000, f/6.3, ISO 640, 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 adult intermediate morph Swainson’s Hawk (photographed last April in Box Elder County) had landed on this post with the vole and seemed to be relaxing for a moment before it began to leisurely enjoy its meal when the hawk suddenly flinched. In other images it actually jumped up off the post an inch or so and raised its left foot with the vole as if to closer inspect the source of the pain.
Immediately after that it administered the coup de grâce by biting the head and neck of the vole…
1/2500, f/6.3, ISO 640, Canon 7D Mark II, Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM + EF 1.4 III Extender, not baited, set up or called in
and then gobbled it down with gusto. Perhaps revenge contributed its enthusiasm for the meal. 🙂
When it was through eating the hawk stayed on the post so I removed my teleconverter in preparation for takeoff (so I’d be less likely to clip any body parts). But soon I spotted a big truck speeding toward us that would pass between me and the bird. I had only two chances for takeoff shots:
- I might get a shot or two if the bird took off just before the truck passed between us
- If the truck was between us when it took off I was screwed but it was traveling fast so it was also possible that it would have barely passed as the hawk took off and I might get a shot then
But the problem with that second scenario was that as the truck passed my focus points would lock onto the closer truck and I wouldn’t have time to lock back onto the bird if it was in the process of taking off (resulting in an out-of-focus hawk).
So at the last moment I changed my strategy. I locked focus on the bird just before the truck arrived and then took my finger off the focus button (I use back button autofocus) so my focus wouldn’t lock onto the truck. My plan was to fire off a few shots just as the truck got by me. Perhaps the hawk would already be gone but I might get lucky and catch it right at takeoff.
What actually happened was somewhere in-between.
1/2500, f/6.3, ISO 640, Canon 7D Mark II, Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM, not baited, set up or called in
This is the first image after the noisy truck whizzed by to my left. It made the hawk flinch but it didn’t take off and what I didn’t plan for was the second truck coming fast right behind the first one. When that one passed I missed the takeoff.
The best laid plans of mice (or voles) and men…
Ron
PS – I’ve posted other images of this hawk in the past but these three are new to my blog.
Wow, are those spectacular shots, Ron! The eye light in the 3rd takes my breath away. Maybe it’s the direct gaze.
I’ll have to try spicing my meals with revenge, like your hawk… although I seem to recall it’s supposed to taste like ashes. 🙂
Catch lights make a big difference, don’t they, Alison?
I’m not sure how it tastes but I’ve heard that revenge is best served cold…
Very funny! I’m glad I checked for your reply…
Wow!sensational Ron!
Charlotte
Thanks, Charlotte.
Great shots! Sorry about the trucks in the way. Swainson’s are so pretty. Looks like that vole connected — there’s a red spot (blood?) on the left toe in that last shot.
Thanks, Marty. Seems to me that blood’s more likely to be from the vole than it is from the hawk. Believe me, that vole was a bloody mess…
Shhh don’t give the location away I am already missing what use to be very quiet alone days at the bay.
Now if we could only get rid of the semis that fly through there too. I am always surprised more hawks are not sucked up in the simi tail wind.
Sorry semi not simi, I am trying to multi-task today. The older I get the lamer I get.
April, there’s a large number of raptors that get killed on that road and I suspect those trucks are largely to blame.
Gorgeous bird! You got some excellent shots, even if you did miss the takeoff. I’m looking forward to the return of the Swainson’s Hawks.
Me too, Susan. Another sure sign of spring!
Gorgeous hawk and, as always, even more gorgeous photos! Thank you.
I’m glad you like them, Sharon. Thanks.
Nice series, dramatic story. especialli like the last…damned trucks!!!
Patty, I actually got some images of the trucks in the frame as they passed – they look like modern art. Sort of…
Ha! Fun story to accompany your excellent photos, Ron. As always I enjoy your photographic thought process related to capturing the shot. As to the truck focusing issue, I was mentally shouting out to you, use back button focus to remember the bird’s focus!! Of course you already knew that. Great story setup with a good, educational punch line. 🙂
“use back button focus to remember the bird’s focus”
That’s an interesting way to describe what I did, Den. I had a bit of a hard time coming up with the words to accurately describe my thought process – wish I’d thought to put it the way you did.
You’re too gracious, Ron! Your explanation was fine. Obviously, I understood it! But thank you for your kind words.
Beautiful shots of this Swainson’s Ron!!!
Was the post beside the road? If it is this is a fantastic opportunity for photographers. I’m surprised you don’t have competition for other vehicle pull-overs.
Thanks for sharing!
Dick, Yes, the post was right next to the road. There’s very little competition from other photographers up there – it’s a very remote area.
Still a good shot of the hawks preparation for take off. 🙂 The best laid plans………. happens for sure! The first 2 shots are also gorgeous. The smooth coloring of the Swainson’s hawk is interesting compared to others with more dramatic contrasts in their feathers.
Judy, If you can believe it there’s actually been several reports of possible Swainson’s Hawks here in northern Utah already! If they’re confirmed (which I doubt they will be) they’ll be incredibly early sightings for these birds (they winter mostly in Argentina).
Anyway, those reports are what got me to thinking about Swainson’s Hawks – thus this post…