A handsome raptor in an attractive natural setting performing an interesting behavior.
1/4000, f/7.1, ISO 800, Canon 7D Mark II, Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM + EF 1.4 III Extender, not baited, set up or called in
This juvenile Red-tailed Hawk was one of a pair of siblings I photographed four months ago in a Wasatch Mountain canyon. It allowed me many photos including a few while it was preening. In this shot it’s running some of its undertail coverts through its bill.
Usually when I’m lucky enough to capture this behavior in a wild raptor I can rarely see the eye, much less have direct eye contact, because the head of the bird is either buried in the plumage or the eye is closed for its own protection, or both. I like the lichen-covered rocks, the behavior, the partially fanned tail and the exceptionally crisp and clear look we have of the hooked bill – all while having direct eye contact. In my experience that’s a difficult combination to get.
But I’m not sure this is the most desirable composition for the image.
So I tried a vertical composition which I think I slightly prefer over the horizontal. This version allowed me to include a little more of the multi-layered background at upper right, including blue sky, which I like because it provides more depth to the image. In this version the hawk is also larger in the frame so we see more detail in the bird while retaining a good sense of natural habitat.
Your mileage may vary regarding composition.
Ron
In the first image there are too many places for the eye to go before getting to the bird. In the second my eye goes directly to the subject. Just my opinion. Vertical gets my vote……
And I appreciate your opinion. Thanks, Gary.
I love this pose with the behaviour, and the lichen is so beautiful, too.
Thanks, Jane.
I like the vertical too. Very nice!
Thank you, Jean.
I like the second photo for the same reasons you gave. BTW years ago I took a week long horseback riding vacation on the Wasatch Plateau and I saw so many birds and wild animals! At one point we were riding on a cliff edge in the tundra and looking down we first heard and then saw a large herd of elk! What a glorious sight and a wonderful memory of the Wasatch Plateau, which you remind me of often.
That’s a neat area, Pat. Glad you were able to spend so much time there.
Both, the horizontal for habitat, and vertical for close up and composition, the rocks lead the eye.
Hope you are out finding more birds today than I did yesterday!
You’re only half right, April. I was “out” but I wasn’t finding any birds to speak of. Mostly good light but no birds – frustrating.
Your second definitely has the prize for me…I really like the larger perspective. The up front sharpness is great as is the RedTail but I really find the out of focus background behind him to be quite appealing here especially the sky, greenery/plants directly behind the lichen covered rock…really great depth! 😍
I agree, Kathy. For me the appeal of the upper quadrant of that shot dwarfs its relative size in the frame.
The vertical for me.
And rather a lot of awe and wonder.
Thanks Ron.
Thank you, EC.
Definitely liking the vertical crop. Beautiful shot, especially with the lichen. Hope this juvie makes it.
I hope they both make it! Long shot but I can still hope.
Wow! To both! But the second one takes my breath away! Amazing detail!
Thanks, Beth.
The detail in the vertical is my preference. Different strokes for different folks. Or “Everybody’s got his own bag, now ain’t that fine.” (Words from a song by Rick Masten.)
I prefer that better detail too, Nancy.
Beautiful Ron, and yes, I like the vertical composition much better. The rocks and the background seem to stand out more and due to the larger size the hawk does as well. Excellent shot in either position. Really like the eye contact too. Well, Judy likes the horizontal and I like the vertical – a good start for the morning. Personal preference is what makes life so interesting. 🙂
Thanks, Everett. The vertical version does seem to be the most preferred so far, here and especially on Facebook.
Dunno…. 😉 The 2nd composition does show closer detail of the hawk yet, personally, I get drawn to the the upper right background more and somewhat prefer the 1st……. Gorgeous Hawk regardless……… 🙂
Thanks, Judy. Taste is sure personal isn’t it.