Only two photos this time but they’re my favorites from the series.
When I posted the Practice Landing #1″ series it included 18 photos which was a bit much, both for my readers and for the photographer who had to process them all. This time there’s a beginning and an end with no loooong middle. But it so happens that those two photos are my favorites from his second practice takeoff and landing.
1/6400, f/5.6, ISO 800, Canon R5, Canon EF500mm f/4L IS II USM + 1.4 tc, not baited, set up or called in
Only a few seconds after he landed on this rock at the end of his first practice landing, the unusually dark and very young Red-tailed Hawk took off again. This time ‘his’ intended landing spot was much closer – the top of the rock on the left in this photo. From his stretched-out and very athletic takeoff posture one might assume that he had a long way to go but this time it was more like a jump without the hop and the skip.
Note: I was happy to see his bulging crop. Apparently he’s getting plenty to eat. All too often these young hawks don’t.
1/5000, f/5.6, ISO 800, Canon R5, Canon EF500mm f/4L IS II USM + 1.4 tc, not baited, set up or called in
Four frames later he nailed the landing.
I’ve left out the three photos between these two, and several taken after this one, because the rock and the vegetation hid part of the bird in all of those shots and because I didn’t want to process that many photos. Processing the 18 photos in my post two days ago kicked my butt.
Not long after he settled in on this rock he took off for another one just a few feet away but that third time he had his back to me so I won’t be posting any of those photos.
If practice makes perfect this guy must be getting his landings down pat.
Ron
Ron,
My 2 grandsons, 6 and 8yo, came to visit for 10 days and for 10 days I shared with them
your post. They loved it, were curious and it brought us all smiles and excitement. Thank you so much for this incredible opportunity.
Your comment made my day, Beatrice. Please tell your grandsons that it pleased me very much to learn that they enjoyed my posts. Hi guys!
Big, big smiles. And hooray for youngsters with full crops. I have really enjoyed spending time with this dark beauty.
Thank you, EC.
You’ve captured his level of concentration so well! Glad you’re spending some time with this beautiful youngster!
Marty, I looked for him again this morning but this time I couldn’t find him. He’s probably moved on.
Can never get enough Red-tailed hawk photos. Love them all.
That’s good to know, Michael – because I’ve sure been posting a lot of them lately.
That full crop IS a happy sight! And these are excellent captures of this handsome fella’s continuing education … here’s hoping for his long and fruitful life. 😎
“That full crop IS a happy sight!”
It sure is, Chris. As you know, the survival rate of red-tails at this age is pretty dismal.
Probably his shortest flight ever and you were there to nail it. In that first shot he looks like Usain Bolt just shooting out from the starting blocks on his way to another world record. Very interesting shots Ron.
Thank you, Everett.
I did a little cringe seeing that stretch. I could feel it in my shoulders.
Rock hopping. The simple pleasure and practice of birds and boys.
Photoshop a basketball between those wings and a hoop on the rock in the first photo and you’ve got a best seller.
Hah!
“I could feel it in my shoulders”
I could feel it in my back, Lyle. But then that’s no surprise.
Nice! Lotta effort for a short flight – have to start somewhere! 😉 Glad he’s eating well! 🙂
Me too, Judy.
Beautiful shots! A nice way to start my Sunday morning 👍🏻
Good. Thanks, Theresa.
Hooray for you both for all the practice that goes into your “perfect”!
Thanks, Alison. But I think this hawk has “perfect” down better than I do.