This might have been the most gaping yawn I’ve ever seen in a raptor. Several years ago I posted a different photo of “him” yawning but this one is new to my blog.
1/3200, f/7.1, ISO 400, Canon 7D, Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM, not baited, set up or called in
I’d been photographing this cooperative Rough-legged Hawk on Antelope Island for quite a while as he was preening when he unexpectedly broke out into an enthusiastic yawn. He opened his mouth so wide I think I could have seen into his mouth and clear down to his toes if he’d been facing me (that’s hyperbole but not by much). Rough-legged Hawks sometimes swallow their small mammal prey (voles, lemmings etc.) whole and I can see how they’re capable of doing it.
I suppose it’s possible that this was an attempt at throwing a pellet rather than a yawn but I don’t think so.
Besides the interesting behavior the photo illustrates I really like the image quality. The hawk is sharp, there’s no discernible noise (grain) and I have oodles of detail. It would have been nice to get everything sharp at lower left but given the circumstances that was impossible.
I can live with it.
Ron
Sensational shot Ron!
Charlotte
Thank you, Charlotte.
What a beauty. Love his eyes too.
They do have pretty eyes. Thanks, Jean.
I think a had a record yawning session after seeing the photo and reading the description and all the comments. Here I go again…wait…I think it may be a pellet coming up.
Turn your head, Lyle. If it’s a hard one it might break your screen!
Ron, what a yawn! I’ve never thought about birds yawning so I’ll have to pay more attention in the future! The background colors really enhance the beauty of this Hawk. Thank you for this great shot
Yup, they yawn fairly regularly. And some of them shiver in the cold. Thanks, Alice.
That is one amazing yawn and photograph. Unlike me (our species?) I am impressed that he keeps his eyes wide open as he does so. Yet another adaptation showing constant alertness?
Todays update on the fires. They still burn. And in the state nearest to me it is estimated that 480 million birds and animals have been killed since September. Australia wide the horrifying total is much bigger. Some species will not recover.
“I am impressed that he keeps his eyes wide open as he does so”
EC, I’m pretty suspicious looking so that was probably his motivation.
Yes, those fires are truly a disaster. I hope that at least there’s no longer smoke in your house.
Less smoke inside today so far. Yay. It is also (for the moment) drizzling. We have had 1mm. Yay- and sigh.
I hope it continues to rain, harder.
Sure hope for more rain and less wind for all in your neck of the woods EC – can’t begin to comprehend that kind of devastation – 🙁 Stay safe……..
I apologize for the misidentification,i had no internet at the time and not much in the way of reference material.I guess the point of my story was how important these raptors can be to small scale organic agriculture.
No need to apologize, Tom. There isn’t a birder or bird photographer alive (or dead) who hasn’t misidentified a few birds.
Not sure what time it is there, but it’s 10:47 in Bangkok.
Took one look at this picture and started yawning uncontrollably.
Thanks for helping me wind down from a hectic day of sight seeing!
I’m sure to be asleep in a couple of minutes!
“Took one look at this picture and started yawning uncontrollably”
Ha, yours is the third comment mentioning how contagious yawning can be! Sleep well, Suze.
After checking their range,i think you are right.My species id skills were nill in those days.Is there another species that look similar to the Rough Legged hawk that the birds that were on my property could have been?
Tom, seems to me that Red-tailed Hawk would be the most likely candidate because their plumage is so variable and because they’re so common. Swainson’s Hawks are another possibility but they look less like a Roughie than red-tails can.
Nice detail and light. It is fun to watch behavior.
Thanks, April.
Good morning Ron, this beautiful photograph brings back some very fond memories of the most unique animal partnership i have ever had.From 1990 to 2000,i ran a 200 acre cattle ranch about 40 miles east of where i now live in COLORADO SPRINGS.The spring of 1992 a pair of Rough Legged hawks began nesting in the tall trees that provided a wind break for my barns.Since i was determined to run my operation totally organically,i had no rodent control until they came to my rescue.By the end of 1993,i estimated the hawks value to my operation at at least $10,000 in improved alfalfa production and less hay and grain loss. They are voracious hunters and preyed on the 13 striped ground squirrels that were previously destroying my alfalfa (very expensive to buy). They continued to nest on the property until 2000,when i sold the farm and provided many hours of aerial entertainment in their hunting activities as well.This photo reminds me of my life on the farm and of a partnership with a wild creature that i will never forget! THANKS FOR THE MEMORIES!!!
Wow, Roughies nesting in the lower 48! I’ve never heard of that happening.
That is an outstanding photo and the best bird yawn I have ever seen. Very sharp and picks up the colors beautifully.
Thank you, Everett.
Yawn as big as his head – almost 😉 Must have been VERY relaxed…..beautiful hawk. Wind “moving dirt” yesterday – UGH!
Judy, he was one of the most relaxed raptors I’ve ever spent time with. I had a lunch date with a good friend so eventually I had to leave him while he was still there and cooperating. I should have been late for lunch…
I saw video from East Glacier yesterday – howling wind, blowing snow and… misery.
Love this shot! Exceptional quality, depth, lighting and colors.
Thank you, Everet.