When I first approached this adult Red-tailed Hawk twelve days ago on the north end of Antelope Island I had the distinct impression that it was enjoying the view over the Great Salt Lake from its lofty perch. After all, the lake is huge (averaging 1,700 sq miles) and there’s not many places in inland North America (Great Lakes excluded) where one is afforded a water view that stretches to the horizon, especially from such an elevated perch.
1/3200, f/6.3, ISO 500, Canon 7D, Canon EF500mm f/4L IS II USM +1.4 tc, not baited, set up or called in
As you can see from its posture the hawk was a bit leery of my pickup but it stuck around long enough for me to get several images I liked because of the light and the setting. For the past year or so I’ve seen far fewer raptors on the island than normal so it was a delight to find this cooperative bird so close and in such a setting.
The colors and mood of the lake change dramatically with the season (iced over in winter), the weather and the time of day. On windy or overcast days it’s a foreboding dark gray but on these magical early mornings when there’s no wind or clouds to speak of I love to get the lake as background. For some reason it just appeals to me…
Ron
Stunning! Everything from how the light changes the colours on it’s back because of the posture and muscular back, to the blending of blue in the background and of course to the fact that it didn’t fly off as soon as you stopped your vehicle. I know only too well how hard it is to shoot a Red-tailed Hawk that you see while driving. It doesn’t matter if you stop 50 ft or 50 yds from his perch – he gone before you put the car in park. I too am concerned about the lower number of raptors where you are. Last year we had a record year at our hawk watch on the north shore of Lake Ontario in Toronto. This is a migration route for all points north and east of here. Is there any sort of study being done to see if there reason for this?
Beauty Ron. I like all the complimentary colors and how the little bit of yellow toe balances the cere and gape.
I like the effect of the subtle complementary colours and am impressed that you can get so close to this hawk.Thoughtful pose.
Notice how the lines where the colors in plumage change mid-back and at the neck also match the background color difference lines. It’s vague but works!
Wonderful portrait of a beautiful bird.
Such a privilege to see. And water is always a benison. Some year I will live close (very close) to a body of water too. Fresh or salt.
magnificent!!!
That look is telling you “It is so nice to be here that I don’t want to be bothered.Find yourself some other place to go”.
And I understand that because for me a flowing body of water always make my thoughts fly away.
Well done.
I didn’t realize that the lake iced over in the winter…thought because it was so big and salty it wouldn’t. Love over the shoulder pose of that beautiful bird and the hazy blue of the water in the background…gives a feeling of infinity….concerned, though, that you say you’ve seen “far fewer raptors for the past year”….
Patty, it’s an interesting lake in so many ways. Even though it’s quite salty it’s also very shallow (max 33′, average 16′) which helps it to freeze. Also the lake is divided by a railroad causeway (Lucin Cutoff) and since more fresh water streams flow in the south end than the north end the north part of the lake is saltier than the south – so often some of the lake is frozen and the other part isn’t.
I’m concerned about fewer raptors too…
Beautiful shot Ron!
Charlotte
Thanks, Charlotte.
Great shot Ron, I agree the light and lake in the background is excellent.
Thank you, Dick.