I realize that choosing a “best side” of this beautiful hawk might be a matter of opinion but for me this is it.
1/1250, f/6.3, ISO 500, Canon 7D, Canon EF500mm f/4L IS II USM, canvas added for composition, not baited, set up or called in
This juvenile had just taken off from a fence post in Montana’s Centennial Valley last month and it turned to its left as it did so which presented the birds underside to my lens. I love that stunning, fully flared tail and the excellent look at almost all of the ventral plumage.
The turn meant the bird was looking mostly away from me so there’s not much light in the eye but for me the flight pose is sufficient compensation. Though the background may look like clouds it’s actually a mountain.
Ron
WOW WOW WOW! What a gorgeous flight shot Ron!
Charlotte
Dumb a– Evil IPad is at it again!…”teally”? “preyending”???????? Be careful what you wish for,Mia!!!
12 tail feathers, right? A full set…..
I echo Dave Sparks comment re: confusing clouds with mountains…I still do and really love the magic of seeing “mountains” that I know can’t teally be there…but preyending that they are…
As good as it gets.
This one is simply stunning.
Absolutely gorgeous photo.
Thanks very much, Susan.
You’ve got to be pleased to pieces with that image…it’s a classic….couldn’t be better…pose, composition, detail, light….love the subtle colors of bird and background…and, to top it off, not a notched, broken, missing or tattered feather in sight…Perfection!!!
I appreciated those near-perfect feathers too, Patty. Comes from photographing a juvie that time of year with fresh plumage. Thank you.
Ron, I remain in awe of your photos.
And I remain appreciative of your kind comments, Doug. Thank you.
Fabulous! Thank you for sharing… and all your wonderful photos. I truly enjoy.
Thanks very much, CJ.
Great pose and the cloudy sky provides a nice complementary background.
Thank you, Dave. That “cloudy sky” is actually a mountain…
Since early childhood, I’ve always had trouble distinguishing between cloudy skies and mountains.