This image may look familiar to some viewers because I’ve previously posted another photo of this bird with a different wing position. I only got those two sharp shots of the falcon and I’d never processed this image before because the bird was too tight in the frame. I’d actually forgotten about this photo until recently when I decided it was worth making the effort to add some canvas to improve the composition.
1/2000, f/6.3, ISO 500, 500 f/4, natural light, not baited, set up or called in
I found this juvenile feeding on its duck kill along the Antelope Island causeway last winter on a dark and blustery late morning. Two ravens began to harass the falcon with the apparent intention of stealing the duck so the rightful owner of the prey took off with the prize in tow. Within seconds, an adult Bald Eagle moved in and forced the falcon to drop the duck.
One thing I find interesting about this image is the angle of the bird to the horizon – it looks like it’s flying downward, but in reality it’s actually gaining altitude. Normally, with the bird at this flight attitude, I’d rotate counterclockwise a little to make the flight angle more realistic looking, but since the horizon is in the background it’s obvious that the shot doesn’t need rotation since the horizon is level. The reason for the angled flight attack is the load that the falcon is hauling while it’s trying to gain altitude.
The lower background is the dark, stormy and sullen Great Salt Lake.
Ron
While I accept that it is perfectly normal behavious, my anthromorphic self always feels a little sorry for the bird that has done the hard work when it is harried away from its kill.
Wonderful photo – and thank you.
I have the same reaction as you do, Elephant’s Child.
Hi Ron, Was this juve from last year in the same area of the causeway where your recent adult Prairie picture was taken? Even though I stated that the adult couldn’t be aged definitively, I’m pretty sure it was a second year falcon in it’s first adult plumage. If so, and both pictures were taken in the same general area, there’s a good chance it’s the same Prairie. No way to tell for sure without a band, but fun to think about. Another great picture!
Thanks,Mike. Yes – same general area. So far this year I’m seeing more Prairies on the island than in previous years.
Great shot and informative description. I would love to have seen the action with the ravens and eagle!
Thanks, Tana. The eagle confrontation was exciting to watch – just wish I hadn’t missed getting the shots.