Three days ago we went back to the west desert to check up on the Red-tailed Hawk family that I’ve been posting about in recent weeks. Largely because of our Montana trip it had been two weeks since we’d been there so we were prepared for the possibility that the three offspring would already be fledged and dispersed and apparently that was the case because the nest was empty and at first there were no hawks to be found in the immediate vicinity.
1/1600, f/6.3, ISO 640, Canon 7D, Canon EF500mm f/4L IS II USM, not baited, set up or called in
But on the way back down the canyon we came upon a single Red-tailed Hawk and I believe it is one of the adults from the nest. It was perched in a juniper and side-lit so I mostly just watched it through my lens and as I did so my mind wandered to my recent experience with a Red-tail that was attacked by a Swainson’s Hawk, remembering how I’d missed getting the best shots possible because I wasn’t prepared and didn’t act quickly enough when the Swainson’s swooped in unexpectedly. As I thought about that encounter my shutter finger tightened on the button just in case.
And believe it or not it was at that moment…
1/1600, f/6.3, ISO 640, Canon 7D, Canon EF500mm f/4L IS II USM, not baited, set up or called in
that a Loggerhead Shrike with a chip on its shoulder swooped in out of nowhere to harass the hawk. Because I was ready for it I was able to get two shots with both birds in the frame. In this first one I don’t believe the hawk yet knows the shrike is there.
1/1600, f/6.3, ISO 640, Canon 7D, Canon EF500mm f/4L IS II USM, not baited, set up or called in
But in the next frame in the burst the hawk has reacted by slightly cowering and ducking its head (if you compare the two images you’ll see what I mean) as the shrike vocalizes its displeasure . Loggerhead Shrikes are well-known for mobbing, physically attacking and chasing a long list of potential nest predators and the Red-tailed Hawk is high on that list.
These aren’t great shots technically but as always I enjoyed the behaviors and I’d have missed them entirely if I hadn’t been thinking about screwing up the Red-tail/Swainson’s encounter. It’s a lesson that I continue to learn – be prepared for the unexpected!
Ron
I am so glad you got these shots. The expression on the RT’s face in the second one is priceless. I also love the fact that the Shrike apparently has something to say to the hawk. Perhaps is is cussing out the hawk?
I like how clear the bandit mask is on the shrike.
Lovely series of shots. I like the secnd where the hawk is seemingly unaware of the shrike swooping in. Thank you
I do love the birds which punch well above their weight in the feistiness stakes. And am so glad that your recent experience meant that your trigger finger was loaded and ready.
Hi Ron,
Great set of images. I’m in SLC today and spent the morning out on Antelope Island. Had a great day and saw some new ones for me. Lark Sparrow, Sage Thrasher and Chukar! The road out to the visitor center was loaded with Loggerhead Shrike and I think I got a couple nice images there. Also saw a nice group of Burrowing Owls near the visitor center, but with only my 100-400 with me, they were a little too far away.
This was my second time on the island, the first was during winter, which seemed much busier!
Chris
Sounds like you had a productive morning on the island, Chris. The island runs hot and cold with birds and it’s a little slow right now.
Luck is nice. Great equipment is nice. Opportunity is nice. But you can’t beat experience combined with years of careful observation of behavior when it comes to getting great shots. Patience and anticipation, don’t hurt either. I love shots like this. To me they are perfect!
Luck is always a factor with shots like these, Patty. Sometimes it’s the major factor but you still have to be prepared to take advantage of that luck. Thank you.
Fun shots. I love to see these kind of shots because it makes me think of the courage it must take to be such a small bird antagonizing such a large bird. But, I also feel bad for the raptors when they are minding their own business and little birds keep pestering them. As always, thanks for the post!
I have the same conflicting reactions to such situations, Sharon. But I admire them both.
NO NO NO Ron. The shots are great. Esp the look on the RTHA in the last frame. Looks both puzzled and befuddled. Thanks so much.
Yeah, I think the shrike caught the hawk by surprise, Diana.
Very cool! I love the looks on both of their faces.
Me too, Tana. Thanks. BTW, I hope you’ve seen plenty of young kestrels in your work with their nest boxes.
I just don’t know how you do it.amazing! To be able to catch this action is incredible. Fantastic!!
Charlotte
More often than not I miss this kind of shot, Charlotte. It can be frustrating…
I’d cower and duck, too! Great shots. Thanks, Ron.
Thank you, Alison.