I realize that some folks aren’t big fans of Canada Geese. But I’ve got’em, I shoot what’s available and if I like the photos I post’em.
And I like these.
It’s ironic that the incident with Captain Sully Sullenberger’s flight 1549 was caused by bird strikes that completely disabled both engines because the species involved was the Canada Goose.
The background is blue sky (not my favorite) but it’s a Ferruginous Hawk, it was close and it was flying straight at me. For me all three of those factors have strong appeal.
At least those youngsters on the Montana family farm like to wander but they’re always raised in the dark and confined interiors of old granaries. I’ve often wondered if GHO chicks raised in trees do the same thing at this tender age but I have little experience with that situation.
In the past I’ve photographed many buteo species regurgitating pellets but until two days ago I’d never done it with a Ferruginous Hawk. And the aftermath of this event was entertaining for me and perhaps for the hawk too. I’d never seen it happen before and I have to wonder if the hawk had.
Man, does this photo ever bring back memories from long ago! It was taken on May 16, 2007 and it was the first flight shot of any bird I ever attempted.