This is another Montana Red-tailed Hawk, photographed in Beaverhead County a few weeks ago.
1/1000, f/5.6, ISO 640, 500 f/4, 1.4 tc
I tend to like rustic settings like this for raptors in general but particularly for Red-tails because they have adapted so well to our rural habitats.
1/800, f/9, ISO 500, 500 f/4
This hawk was hunting from the post and changed positions on the perch several times to get a better view in different directions.
1/1250, f/7.1, ISO 500, 500 f/4
Soon the bird went into stretch mode.
1/500, f/7.1, ISO 500, 500 f/4
But eventually it spotted something of interest on the ground (and very close to me) and flew down to investigate. It didn’t find any prey and here it is looking back toward the fence – deciding which fence post to use for its next perch.
1/1000, f/7.1, ISO 500, 500 f/4
It chose another near-by post to hunt from but that hunting station didn’t last long because…
1/1000, f/7.1, ISO 500, 500 f/4
a very aggressive robin took exception to this new location.
1/500, f/7.1, ISO 500, 500 f/4
The hawk took the bombardment for a short period but eventually took off in apparent exasperation – with the angry robin continuing to buzz the raptor all the way.
The more time I spend with raptors the more I realize just how much harassment they get from other bird species. At times they seem to have no peace whatsoever.
Ron
What a co-incidence. A similar post to my own today. I love your Red-tails, and what a great fence. 🙂
Thank you Bob. I noticed the similarities in our posts too. Glad to hear you like the fence. I do too but was unsure of its appeal to others.
Your first picture is such an eye catcher! That chunky juve looks so perfectly Red tailish on the line of random height posts. Why is barbed wire so photogenic…? Hate what it does to wild critters, my clothes and my hide, but it sure is purty.
I really like that first shot too Mike – because of the graphic elements provided by the posts and wires.
It seems to be a common behaviour. Years back I watched a Wedge-Tailed Eagle being bombed repeatedly by Magpie Larks – who were considerably smaller that it was. They continued to dive and swoop until the eagle left.
The plumage on the Red-tailed Hawk is incredible. Beauty and camoflague both. Thank you.
Thanks Elephant’s Child. Yes, “mobbing” of raptors is a very common behavior.
Who’s the bully? Love this!
Sometimes it’s hard to tell, isn’t it Tana.
Wonderful captures.
Thank you Bonnie.