I believe Swainson’s Hawks are the most vocal buteos I’ve photographed.
1/2500, f/6.3, ISO 500, Canon 7D, Canon EF500mm f/4L IS II USM, not baited, set up or called in
I photographed this young bird just over three months ago in Montana’s Centennial Valley as it honed its grasshopper hunting skills along a rustic fence line. One of its parents was always in the vicinity, apparently watching the progress of the youngster and the two birds would call out to each other often. I find this to be typical behavior for the species. The birds were not alarmed, but simply communicating.
Notice the position of the catch light in the eye – it’s at the very top of the cornea, which with the birds head level as it is indicates that the sun was very high in the sky. The image was taken at 1:37 in the afternoon. I seldom shoot at this time of day because the light is harsher and catch lights more difficult to get. With the heavy brow ridge of a raptor I was lucky to get any light in the eye at all.
It was a stormy and threatening afternoon and I like how the bird is lit up against the dark and foreboding upper background. The calling pose and gusty breezes that mussed some of the birds feathers add to the appeal of the image for me and I like the detail and sharpness of the hawk.
I’ve posted a lot of snowy photos lately so this morning I thought I’d go with a “warmer” image for a change of pace.
Ron
I love the “emotion” in this photo. “Hey, Look what I just caught! Were you watching??” Wonderful!
Thanks for my daily bird fix Ron. Sometimes all I see is passerines, which I love but.
Did like the juvie calling out mom or dad.
Never a bad day with your photos. Thanks for 2014, Ron.
“Thanks for 2014, Ron.”
That meant a lot, Diana. Thank you.
Hi! I wrote a caption and they would not allow it!! I will tell you when I talk to you! Have a Happy New years Eve!
Can’t wait to hear that story, Hummingbird Lover. Happy New Year.
“Whatever, dad. I’m catching my own food so you can’t tell me what to do. I’ll wear my feathers ruffled if I want!”
I love the apparent expression on his face. Or hers.:D
That is a neat expression, Arwen. Thank you.
Stunning image.
I love just how vocal so many birds are – and am quite sure that a lot of what I hear from the youngsters here would be readily understandable by any teenager. And sometimes would require their beaks being washed out with soap. Our fledgling galahs particularly are whingers. I still smile remembering an adult (perhaps a parent) reaching over and soundly rapping a particularly noisy youngster on the head. Instant quiet. And we applauded.
I love it when misbehaving youngsters, of any species, get their due, EC. A couple of days ago some kids were driving crazy in the snow at Farmington and as a result they slid off the road and got seriously stuck in the snow, mud and muck. There’s a big mess there now made by all the efforts needed to extract them. They got what they deserved, Imo. Karma…
Ron,
I appreciate the comment about their vocal nature. I love watching and photographing ospreys for the same reason. There seems to be a constant flow of conversation among the parents and juvenile(s) directed at me and among themselves, even across as much as a mile. It makes it interesting to observe them.
Cheers,
Ted
It also makes it easier to locate them, Ted. More than once I’d have missed these birds if I hadn’t heard them first.
Ron, you are one of two of my favorite wildlife photographers (Mia being the other) and I just wanted to say that your daily images have enriched my daily life so much! I can only hope that when I’m out with my camera I’m lucky enough to catch just a smidgen of what you do on a daily basis. What a blessed life you live, please keep shooting ;~)
Happy New Year, Alan
So very nice of you to say, Alan. Thank you! And Happy New Year to you also.
Great photo – so lively and I love how you captured not only the catch light but the richness of hue in the eye – not to mention the exquisite feathers and its being caught in mid-cry. Now I’ll want to look up a link with sound so I can sense what this parent was saying!
I should have included a link to their call, Alison. Next time…
Gorgeous photo! This is the only creature I’ve ever seen that looks good in black nail polish… 🙂
That brought a smile, Susan. You’re right!
So sharp and neat. I wonder how it will be when you and the new 7D are more acquainted…
Happy New year to you Ron and thank you for the joy and delight you gave us all.
Jorge, The 7D Mark II and I are still going through some rough spots in our early relationship. I hope it improves soon…
What a wonderful shot Ron!
Happy New Year to you and yours! Thanks so much for sharing your wonderful shots!
Charlotte
Happy New Year, Charlotte. Thank you.
Fabulous capture Ron.
Thank you, Carl.