At first I wasn’t sure why I like this shot as much as I do – after all it has at least two noticeable “flaws.”
1/2500, f/6.3, ISO 640, Canon 7D, Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM + EF 1.4 III Extender, not baited, set up or called in
The hawk was perched in a tree at Farmington Bay and when it decided to turn on the perch it used its wings for stability which gave me about a half-dozen similar but different poses I like. First I’ll point out those two flaws I mentioned and get them behind us.
- There’s no catch light because a large portion of the eye is shaded by the brow ridge. But enough of the eye has light on it to satisfy me since the iris is light-colored and easy to see. If the hawk had been an adult with a dark eye I don’t think it would have worked well at all.
- There are extremely out-of-focus yellow leaves in the foreground in a narrow strip at bottom. That may not be ideal but it bothers me very little. In fact it gives the image a bit of an ethereal look that may be a positive for some.
The primary reason this image appeals to me so much is because of its large variety of colors. We have green, yellow and brown leaves in the foreground and a blue sky with white clouds in the background. Throw in the reds, whites, blacks and browns of the hawk and that adds up to more colors than I almost ever get in my bird photos. And all of them are natural colors which is a bonus. And then we have the contrast of the two wings – one well-lit and the other in shade but still showing plenty of detail.
So regarding color and tone there’s a lot going on in this photo, maybe too much for some viewers.
But not for me. I think it all adds up to an interesting and appealing photo but mileage will vary depending on tastes. It always does and that’s as it should be.
Ron
It’s a redtail hawk, so I’m good–I love this shot. But you knew I would 😉 It’s always amazed me how redtails will routinely perch on the teeny-tiny, tippy-topmost branch (twig is a better word) in a tree. I think it’s a deal that kinda like a Great Dane–they have no idea just how big they are. LOL!
Sorry my fingers have deteriorated a bunch and they’re not cooperating with the idea of a qwerty keyboard anymore, but I am here in the background, still enjoying your photos and their journeys every day.
Laura! I’ve been worried about you! I know some of the challenges you’re facing so that was part of my concern.
Nice to know you’re still hanging around our neighborhood. No need to comment if you don’t feel up to it, it’s just nice to know you’re there.
Sorry to have caused worry. I’ve started to compose several messages but didn’t get them done in a timely manner and deleted them. Who knew fingers were so useful? I used to be thankful that at least I could type. Now that’s a problem. Denial just ain’t working for me anymore. DARGH! I’m going to have to break down and figure out how to do talk-to-text software now.
But your photography remains a joy every day. Thank you!!
Very late seeing this (or any email) today thanks to a broken water pipe — but the beautiful Red-tail lifts my spirits for sure! Glorious colors, pose and image. I would not change a thing! 😍
“I would not change a thing!”
Good to know, Chris. Thanks.
I hate plumbing problems even more than electrical issues. Right now I have to replace a toilet wax ring with a newer design that’s less likely to leak. I hope you didn’t have any water damage. I had some…
Beautiful photo and a magnificent bird!
Thank you, Sharon.
I love it! the clouds even echo the upturn of the wings.
I hadn’t even noticed that, April. You’re right.
Gorgeous hawk, Ron. I can never comment without imagining how much time it must take for you to pen so many replies. For those of us who don’t comment on a regular basis, thank you for getting out in the cold of winter and the bugs of summer with your camera.
Thank you, Howard. I figure if folks are willing to invest the time and effort to comment the least I can do is reply, hopefully in some meaningful way.
I’m really drawn to the wing placement. 🙂 I think the positioning is very interesting.
Thanks, Arwen.
Majestic is the first word that came to mind when I saw the shot! Wow! Absolutely gorgeous.
Majestic works for me, Marty. Thanks.
Awe and wonder. Not least because his high and pickiness (and yes I do mean you) can see the positives despite the flaws.
C’mon, EC – how in the world could you mean ME??? 🙂
I love your image! Red Tails always have a lot going on so why shouldn’t their environment and your composition? That’s my opinion and I’m stickin’ to it! lol
Thank you, Sybby.
I think the soft clouds as backdrop to the sharply defined wings adds dramatic effect to an already majestic image.
Agreed, Lyle. Those clouds are a significant part of why I like the image so much.
Beside the fact that this Red-tail phase is one I don’t ever see here in the East, I love the definition of the picture! By definition I mean the intensity of the hawks gaze without the catchlight and the definition of the wings. I agree the colors help, but the underwing shade is not a problem in my mind. I know it is impossible with this shot to see more of the tail, but that is my only down side.
Thanks for sharing.
Thanks, Dick I don’t have an issue with that shaded wing either.
I really LIKE that strip of unfocused leaves–they continue the sweep of wispy clouds behind the hawk, forming a halo of softness around the sharply defined hawk–perfectly
sets him off, in my opinion !
Thanks for that feedback, Kris. If I had the choice of having those soft yellow leaves in the foreground or not, I’m not sure what I’d eventually choose. Sometimes I think they add a little something and other times I don’t. Getting wishy-washy in my old age I guess…
It is a fantastic shot Ron!
Charlotte
Thanks, Charlotte.
Excellent and very attractive photo Ron. Like it for the same reasons you do, and because I have been a follower of the blog for a while now I immediately knew what the two flaws were. Really enjoy watching raptors repositioning themselves. Always makes for good photos if you are ready.
Everett Sanborn, Prescott AZ
“if you are ready”
That’s the stumbling block, Everett. So often I’m not!
I think it’s a wonderful photograph and love all the variety of colors and soft shadows. Thanks for the inspiration!
I’m glad you like it, Joanne. Thanks.
Spectacular, Ron!! I always love it when you tell us the flaws & the details that you like because it helps me view your capture thru your eyes. It is a part of the learning process for me. It’s also that I’m seeing it for the 1st time & I’m just blown away, while you have been examining it with your criteria in detail. As an example – I never noticed the out-of-focus yellow leaves until I read your critique!! SO love your photos AND your critique with the photos you share with us. I wonder what tomorrow will bring??
“I wonder what tomorrow will bring??”
Good question, Jo Ann. Wish I knew… 🙂
It all fits! 🙂 All the colors, the surrounding environment, and yet the hawk is still central to the photo – luv it! 🙂
Good. Thanks, Judy.
Beautiful shot! He is a magnificent bird and probably knows it; his reds are terrific. It is a brighter and a much more colorful photo than most that I have seen recently; I think the yellow is the factor that spices it up. A question on the further wing…since I can’t magnify it. That spot of white puzzles me…I can’t figure out the sequencing of the feathers there.
Kathy, I looked at a higher res version and that “spot” appears to be an unusually colored underwing covert.