In contrast to my post yesterday of a juvenile Swainson’s Hawk, this bird is an adult. In fact it’s the parent of that juvenile. I seldom post the same species back to back but I thought the comparison might be interesting.
1/1600, f/7.1, ISO 500, Canon 7D, Canon EF500mm f/4L IS II USM +1.4 tc, not baited, set up or called in
This single adult (I never saw the other parent) kept a watchful eye over its two youngsters as they learned to hunt grasshoppers in Montana’s Centennial Valley earlier this month. Here he/she is circling the general area as the two juveniles were perched on fence posts and stalking the grasses below. In this image I like the background, wing position and particularly the light on the front and top of the hawk against the darker trees behind the bird.
For the last few days we’ve been deluged by rain here in the “desert” and it looks like it’s going to continue for several days more so I haven’t been able to photograph birds for a while. Cabin fever is setting in. We really need the moisture so I try to look at the bright (wet and dark…) side. The level of the Great Salt Lake is at near historic lows and Antelope Island is close to being “dry docked”.
The rain should help but this bird photographer is having withdrawal symptoms.
Ron
I understand completely about having cabin fever and photography withdrawal. I, too, generally hate having multiple days of rain. However, living in the desert has changed my attitude toward rain, even when it limits my activities. Hope the lake fills quickly and that the rain moves on.
Love the light on the face.Beautiful image that lifts me up just to see it.
How I wish you and my friend Katie Lee could meet some day!!! You are both such amazing artists…and nice, nice people!!!
Why thank you, Patty. I remember you talking about Katie in the past – it would be interesting to meet her one day.
Sensational shot Ron!
Charlotte
Thanks, Charlotte.
Soon you will be soaring with these beauties again. Mentally. And I suspect in your dreams. And mine.
I hope so, Elephant’s Child. But it’ll likely have to wait until next spring. This species is now on their way to South America for the winter.
I know that feeling. The best thing to do is to think that it won’t last forever even if it takes one or two weeks, and start planning the next trip. Or like you did, think about something positive. That lake needs a lot of water. That’s for sure.
Earth is warning us through climate changes…
More rain coming in tonight, Jorge. And tomorrow. I’m getting tired of it.
Beauty. This is just beauty on the wing.
Thank you, Arwen.