This past fall I spent several days photographing a couple of juvenile Red-tailed Hawks on Antelope Island. I suspect they were siblings as they seemed to enjoy each others company, though one of them was significantly more skittish than the other. This one was the more cooperative of the two.
I enjoy the challenge of lift-off sequences. I usually consider myself lucky if I can get 2-3 sharp shots with poses I like before losing focus on the bird but this time I did better than usual.
There won’t be much “narration” here, just a series of images as the hawk took off after prey. Some of the shots are a little sharper than others but I like seeing the entire sequence – “warts” and all. Techs for all these images were identical – 1/2000, f/7.1, ISO 400, 500 f/4, 1.4 tc, natural light, not baited, set up or called in.
Moment of lift-off.
I like the splayed feet.
Here the nictitating membrane is partially closed.
Compositionally the left wing is too tight at the top of this image. I could easily add canvas up there and I might.
I like how they splay their tail during the wing down-beat at take-off.
Normally I do very little cloning but in this case I’d probably remove the stem under the bird if I chose to print this image.
I did add a little canvas at the bottom of this shot.
These last two images are very similar but I include them to demonstrate something I see often when shooting raptors at lift-off. I’m often struck by how similar sequential shots can be during take-off. The flight posture, body angle and light on the bird in this image…
is nearly identical to this shot taken two clicks later in the burst. It always surprises me that this happens as often as it does during such a dynamic and athletic activity as take-off.
Though I’ve presented 8 images in this sequence I was actually able to get 10 relatively sharp shots of this bird in flight before I lost focus and the bird was past me – one of my better performances in this situation.
Ron
absolutly beautiful. your photos are amazing. first time I been to your site, I will be back. Is it ok to share?
Welcome, Linda. I’m glad you enjoy my blog so far. Sure, share links to any post you like but please don’t lift images. Copyright infringement has become a huge problem for me.
For some reason, I adore their britches. The contrast I suspect. Their leggings look so soft, and then those talons and beaks remind me that this a very functional killing machine. And beautiful with it. Thank you Ron, a delightful sequence.
I love that you call them “britches”, Elephant’s Child.
A Fantastic Sequence .You can just feel the power of the lift off. Phenomenal lighting too Ron,Well done !
Thanks, John. Yes, the power of lift off is very impressive when you’re up close or it’s magnified through the lens.
Compelling sequence Ron!
Thank you, Maria.
Excellent flight series Ron. A real treat when things come together like this to get, a pleasure to view them all.
Thanks, Jim. As you know, sometimes they “come together” but usually they don’t.
As always, your shots and commentary are a true treasure!
Nice of you to say so, Charlotte. Thank you.
What a fun sequence of a gorgeous bird!Target acquired, single-minded flight– very evident in the gaze. I also like the “pose” of the fully fanned tail merging into the down sweep of the wings. Thanks for adding depth to my usual 70mph-on-the-interstate viewing! 🙂 Saw one in my back yard last fall, but of course by the time you get the field glasses, it’s moved.
“by the time you get the field glasses, it’s moved.”
The same can often be said about “getting the camera”, Chris. Sure can be frustrating
What? I thought all you photogs everywhere had cameras grafted to your bodies! LOL