After yet another snowstorm all day yesterday I felt the need to post something this morning with absolutely nothing white in the background. This juvenile Red-tailed Hawk taking off after prey filled the bill.
1/3200, f/6.3, ISO 400, 500 f/4, canvas added, 2 twigs removed, not baited, set up or called in
This was one of my favorite Red-tails of all time. For several weeks it would occasionally cooperate with me as it perch- hunted voles from rocky outcroppings on the side of a large hill. Here it has just launched after spotting prey in the grasses below.
The young hawk wasn’t yet a very skilled hunter and most of its hunting forays came up empty. I often wonder if it survived the following winter.
Ron
I had an odd thought looking at this impressive photo. The hawk’s feet look large. Do juveniles have larger feet in proportion to their bodies?
Not that I’m aware of, Pam.
It does look determined so hopefully it will survive.
The way the feathers are splayed out is beautiful- and such determination!
Beautiful shot…..man on a mission….you really captured a wonderful poise.
Thank you, Tom.
Love the determined gaze. And hope that practice did reap its just reward and that he survived and thrived.
I like to think this bird’s still out there, Elephant’s Child. I wish I could recognize them from year to year, after a molt.
Just gorgeous! I love the look of intense concentration on its face. And I, too, hope it survived and is doing well.
Not many critters can appear to “focus” on a goal like a raptor, Susan. Thanks.
This has got to be one of my all time favorite hawk pictures….Great! Love everything about it!!!
This one’s near the top of my list too, Patty.
You definitely do this hawk justice displaying its beautiful movement and intricate features in one snap!
I appreciate the compliment, Patricia.
Really enjoying your blog. Thanks for all the great photos and info!
Happy to hear you enjoy the “info”, along with the pics, Christina.
Great shot from an interesting angle to catch the wing spread Ron.
Thank you, Ed.
Beautiful Action shot Ron …Perfect !
Thanks, John.
WOW! Spectacular! I hope he thrived…
Me too, Alison. The bird was trying hard without much return.