Red-tailed Hawk nesting season is officially here.
1/4000, f/6.3, ISO 500, Canon 7D Mark II, Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM + EF 1.4 III Extender, not baited, set up or called in
Three days ago I was able to spend a short time with a mated pair of Red-tailed Hawks as they were working at refurbishing an older nest on the side of a cliff. They always had their backs to me as they approached the nest in flight with nesting material but I managed to get this series of the male as he was leaving the nest after making one of his deliveries.
All six photos in this series are sequential with no skips.
1/4000, f/6.3, ISO 500, Canon 7D Mark II, Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM + EF 1.4 III Extender, not baited, set up or called in
Since I didn’t pick and choose photos from the series it goes without saying that some are better than others. In this shot part of his head is hidden but there’s still light on his face and a catch light in his eye so I decided to include it.
Besides, peekaboo shots can have a charm of their own. Whether this one does or not depends on the tastes of the viewer. But I think there’s some inherent value in seeing every shot in a takeoff series because doing so gives the viewer a better sense of the dynamics of the transition from takeoff to flight.
1/4000, f/6.3, ISO 500, Canon 7D Mark II, Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM + EF 1.4 III Extender, not baited, set up or called in
There are disadvantages to the photographer of having the nest so close to the cliff in the background but there’s a plus side too – the bird has no choice but to take off at least partially in my direction which means I usually should be able to see his face.
And dreaded butt shots are highly unlikely.
1/3200, f/6.3, ISO 500, Canon 7D Mark II, Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM + EF 1.4 III Extender, not baited, set up or called in
Now it’s becoming more difficult to keep focus locked on the hawk. I think it helped to have little contrast and detail in the rock face behind him.
1/5000, f/6.3, ISO 500, 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 is the only shot in the series where I managed to get a pretty good look at some of the colors and plumage patterns of the ventral surfaces of both wings.
1/4000, f/6.3, ISO 500, Canon 7D Mark II, Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM + EF 1.4 III Extender, not baited, set up or called in
The last photo in the series. After this he descended so quickly I lost focus and began to cut off body parts.
This was the last time I’ll be able to visit these hawks for a very long time. As of midnight last night Salt Lake County is under a stay-at-home order until at least the end of April so it’s very likely to be weeks before I can get into the field again.
In the very near future I have a big decision to make – What do I do with Feathered Photography in the interim? I have several options but none of them are particularly good ones.
I have some serious thinking to do.
Ron
Notes:
- This male is the mate to the female I posted photos of a couple of days ago. I actually photographed them mating but both birds had their backs to me during the entire process.
- I was not close to this nest. I was shooting at an effective 1120 mm and these photos have been significantly cropped. And I was shooting from a road and inside my pickup the entire time. Even so if my presence had altered their behavior or disturbed the hawks in any way I’d have left the area immediately.
Sometimes that majestic thing just doesn’t work 😉 But the important thing is they’re making baby hawks! YIPPEE!!
Spectacular series Ron! Thanks for sharing!
Charlotte
Your shots are gorgeous, Ron. I love these sequential photo stories. I currently have a nesting pair of Red Tailed Hawks on my property in the back 40 acre pasture at the edge of the cypress swamp. Their nest is atop a giant forked cypress tree. I have attempted to get some shots but haven’t been successful with anything very good. They are at quite a distance. I love that you included the distance of these shots. I have been wondering what kind of range you usually shoot at in your shots. Anytime you include this additional info is fine with me! I am trying to emulate some of the best photographer’s techniques and this helps. What is it that gets you that kind of distance if you don’t mind my asking. is it your lens/tele converter combo? Sorry for the amatuer questions!
Please keep posting whatever you can…I have learned so much valuable info from your posts and it is a great distraction during these trying times.
On a good note, I have been practicing social distancing with my camera and my electric off road atv, at home of course. I am surrounded by 140 acres of our pasture, woods, swamps, 3 natural ponds and grassy fields!
Truth be told, I have been social distancing since I decided to revisit my photography hobby almost a year ago. Thank You for always sharing and Blessings to you and everyone.
“What is it that gets you that kind of distance/”
Suzy, it’s that I’m shooting with a 500mm lens, 1.4 tc and a cropped frame camera. That combo means I’m effectively shooting at 1120 mm. And very high quality (read that as expensive) glass also means that as long as my photos are sharp in the first place I can crop significantly and the images still look good.
I’m jealous of your 140 acres.
Thanks for that information, Ron. I am currently in the wishing market for some new equipment. Camera, lens and etc…yes, High quality = expensive for sure. I am so appreciative of having the property we own. It allows me the luxury of freedom and room to roam. I have a disability(rheumatoid Arthritis) that severely limits my mobility and this land and my electric ATV has been a godsend. I do venture out to other places but I am still limited on where I can go. I appreciate that you shoot from your truck. I have shot many photos from my truck also….In Florida we have quite a few places that are drive-able, like Lake Apopka’s Wildlife Drive. I am jealous of your shooting locations as well. Thanks Again
Do go on, Ron. It will do you and us a great deal of good! Old shots revisited are helpful in so many ways – sometimes we see them and see how much we’ve learned, or how llittle we knew back then!
Best wishes.
Thanks very much for the encouragement, Sallie.
Red-tail delight! So happy that you know of this mated pair’s nest that we’ll all be able to look forward to seeing full of hawklets come late May/early June when (I dearly hope) the curve may be flattened enough so we can all get out and about, even if still 6’ apart. And by we, I mean you! 😉
But I have a question: Why isn’t yours considered an “essential business,” so you must report to work (in the field) and post your daily findings for the sake of our country’s well-being?
“Why isn’t yours considered an “essential business,” so you must report to work (in the field) and post your daily findings for the sake of our country’s well-being?”
I hate to admit it but that thought had popped into my head too, Chris. 🙂 If for nobody’s sake but my own…
Spectacular takeoff series! Wow! You have definitely shown how powerful those wings are to be able to get him aloft given the likely air flow next to that cliff. There’s a bit of trompe l’oeil in a couple of the shots, especially the first one, that tricked me into seeing an “egg” in the nest. 😊
We’ve been under more and more strict Stay at Home orders for a while now. I have become reacquainted with my front and back yards and the critters thereabouts. I’ve also shaken up my usual walking route into more random neighborhood meanderings, making sure I’m not out for too long and am adhering to social distancing rules. Unfortunately, my house is no cleaner than it was when all this started — can’t seem to find the motivation to “spring clean” right now. 🧐
You do you. We’ll be here for it. I like several of the suggestions that have been posted (especially the classroom stories — I wonder why ☺️🤣). Even a post with a link to another post that you think we’d like would be more than adequate.
Marty, I know what you mean about the lack of motivation for cleaning. I should get in it but I just haven’t been able to find the get up and go for it.
Nope, no egg. Not yet.
I think all my “get up and go” got up and went.
Ron,
Get a copy of the “stay at home” order. Even San Francisco’s shelter in place order encouraged residents to get outside and get some exercise (with proper social distancing). I read California’s order, and it encouraged the same thing. We have been to five birding sites in the past 10 days. And you have always practiced social distancing when you’re out photographing, so you don’t pose a danger to people or animals. Just look for the loopholes. Grocery shopping, which is still permitted most places is riskier than birding.
That’s my two cents’ worth.
Dr. Bob
Robert,
I’ve read the order. Some of it seems less than clear.
I’d never knowingly increase the risk to myself or others whether what I was doing broke the rules or not.
I would never encourage anyone to break the law. That wasn’t my intent. But I know that in California, your approach to bird photography doesn’t violate any laws, because you don’t leave your truck.
I didn’t think that’s what you were doing, Robert.
But I think our rules are ambiguous the way they’re written. I hope they clear some of the questions up, and soon.
Beautiful series of one of the RedTails we followers have come to love! I, like the others would certainly miss our early a.m. ‘get-to-gethers’…my vote goes to re-cycle, repeat, show what didn’t pass your muster the first time around but most of all your comments! Those, many days are food for thought, and we all seem to relate with them no matter where we reside. I would miss the responses of your followers who I’m sure we all have become accustomed to. Life is certainly becoming more challenging each day. I placed my order for groceries last Wednesday and get to pick it up this Thursday at the grocer’s drive through. Such is life in this new era. Each day is presenting a new challenge to work out. But most of all the loss of human contact…I miss my children’s hugs and my grandson’s smile and antics. Videos only go so far…
Kathy, each day I’m thinking more seriously of ordering groceries to be delivered. We do what we’ve gotta do…
This is a yet another series which has brightened my morning (even before the sun comes up). Many thanks.
Frustating as it is for you all of us want you to stay safe. I do understand the frustations though – because of my age and chronic illness I have been stood-down from most of my voluntary work as of yesterday. I feel bereft – not least because the need is huge and growing.
I do hope (fervently) that you will continue to post at least intermittently Revisits would be very welcome.
It is of course your blog and your decision but I am pretty certain that you still have one or two photos yet to go through and process.
And we want to know how you are doing.
“the need is huge and growing”
Given what you do for your volunteer work and the current situation I’m not surprised it’s growing, EC. I’m sure your participation will be greatly missed.
Right now I’m thinking that at the very least I’ll post something sporadically just to keep in touch.
I really, really do hope you continue to stay in touch.
You matter to so many of us, despite the fact that we may never (probably will never) meet you ‘in the flesh’.
Stay well, stay safe. Please.
Ditto from me too, also.
I am hoping that your Salt Lake County “Stay at home” rule pass very quickly !! My flights are booked, rental car and hotel were paid long ago and I have been looking forward to visiting there at AI for several days on my way to Yellowstone the last week of May ……
I sure wish you luck, Gary. Seems to me it could go either way though.
You will have to see what strikes you fancy for your blog. Dear Abby style advise, Martha Stewart, cooking, perhaps a Ron Dudley’s Winged Kingdom.
Lovely Redtail photos. I hope they are successful! Maybe by the time you go again there will be little white heads looking over the top of the nest.
I long for those little white heads!
I vote for recycling. Your photos on my wall and your posts are the best part of my days. Thank you Ron, whatever you decide to do Diana
Diana, if I do continue to post at least occasionally recycled posts would most likely have to be included.
The wing positions are so perfectly positioned in each photo of the series to illustrate the takeoff. I’m curious if these were individual shots are the result of a “burst”.
I guess it’s too early to hitch up the trailer and get really isolated, or if it’s even allowed.
A few ideas for posts:
Avian anatomy
Stories from childhood
Stories from teaching
Avian taxonomy
photography tips
Bloopers
cute cat videos😜
Yup, they’re six sequential shots in a burst lasting 6 tenths of a second.
Thanks for the ideas, Lyle. I should be able to post bloopers every day. Don’t hold your breath for cat photos or videos – unless magpies start harassing my neighbor’s cat again…
Ron,
As you point out “stay safe, stay home” may limit our travels in the state. The lines at Antelope Island made the news and we (you and I) wouldn’t be able to go there anyway since we both live in Salt Lake County and it is in Davis county… if we are to follow the new rules/guidelines/law.
As for Feathered Photography, when Johnny Carson went on vacation (he is almost as famous as you are) we enjoyed “The Best of Carson.” I wouldn’t mind at all “The Best of Dudley.” Old posts, beautiful birds, discussion with distant friends. We birds of a feather must stick together. So, post some old ones and we will all love it!
Stay healthy. I am required to go to the hospital every day for work. The way things are going I might take my retirement. I’m of age.
Best in troubled times,
Stephen
“he is almost as famous as you are”
That made me smile, Stephen. As a friend pointed out this morning smiles are hard to come by these days.
My advice would be to get out (retire) while the getting’s good. Easy for me to say, I know…
Right now we are all doing what we have to do… So whatever you decide I’ll respect your decision. Maybe a once a week check in to say Hi !
Love that last shot. What a beautiful wing span ❤️
Take Care Ron
“Maybe a once a week check in to say Hi”
I can’t imagine not doing at least that, Diana.
I, for one, would vote for recycling! After all, I’m old now and since I’ve slept since then, stuff (memory of your older images) falls out! LOL! And I agree with Kris Eberhard! Our collective sanities depend on mornings with Ron.I suspect yours might be at stake, too!
We all know I’m easy with redtails. In MY opinion, there’s not an ugly redtail (raptor, bird, critter) on the planet, but this boy is a major beauty. Also staying in my maybe not so humble opinion, raptors have what I can only call a grace of being that defines elegance and beauty. And that makes my heart sing. Add in that I’m a BIG fan of nesting raptors/birds and you’ve captured my heart. THANK YOU!
“I suspect yours might be at stake, too!”
There’s no question about it Laura, mine’s definitely at stake. I’m on the edge already and this is the first day of the stay-at-home order.
There may be some wiggle room in that order, they haven’t been very clear about it yet. Time will tell but I certainly won’t defy it in any way.
Maybe some interesting things will show up in your yard. Your daily input into my work will be missed.
Do what ever you need to do. That sums up what all of us are doing right now.
Yup, we’re all in the same boat. Or at least a similar one. Thanks, Pam.
Please keep posting even if they are old or feeder shots. Need something wonderful to look at with my morning coffee.
“Wonderful” isn’t easy to come by these days, Jo. But thanks for the encouragement.
Fun and wonderful series Ron…… 🙂 Beautiful Red Tailed Hawk. I wondered how long it would be before you were under the “Stay at Home” order since Utah seemed to be stalling off on that. Hopefully you’ll be able to continue to post to Feathered Photography even if it requires revisiting/updating some older posts. Personally, I need that “ray of sunshine” and education on a daily basis! 🙂
Thanks, Judy. The problem is those “rays of sunshine” are finite in number and during the shutdown I can’t find any more. Whether or not I’m creative enough to make up for it somehow remains to be seen.
I know it is a challenge – hopefully it can be met even if not up to your usual standards…….. 😉
I’m with Arwen—I so enjoy the “revisits” you’ve published in the
past weeks– I think you’re providing a real educational and even
entertainment gift in these very hard times—my spirit, and I think
most peoples’ spirits, just hunger for wide-open spaces and the
visions of REAL life that you give in such abundance—-YOU might
think that your older pieces are “crumbs from your table” of accomplishment—but to me, they’re real spiritual sustenance !
I appreciate the encouragement, Kris.
Excellent series Ron. I especially like the ones with the shadow. Ron, you can cull through your thousands of photos for new never seen potential posts, or you can rerun your very best posts of the past, or you can take a few weeks off and rest up. Major league baseball and others and showing re runs so I guess you can too.
Sure hope we don’t see that kind of a shutdown coming although it is certainly a possibility.
Everett, I’m not much of a TV watcher but I guess I can adapt.
I actually wonder if we shouldn’t have been shut down earlier.
I guess that will always be a question whether locally, state wide, or nationally. Just glad I am not making the decisions. Our Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University just shut down the dorms and residents halls. Might be a wise decision, but now these students have to find a way to get home and they come from all over the U.S. as well as a few foreign countries. Situations like this are happening all over the country. Guess we will all have to be like the Marines and adapt and improvise.
Love these shots! We are sheltering in place here in NM. Your blog brings me joy. I would welcome old posts, forgotten shots, and “well there was a bird but it flew away” humorous shots. I’m craving light right now. So much awful news. 🙁 A dear friend is struggling for his life in NYC with Covid-19. And his wife and their roommate have been exposed. So please, professor, keep posting.
If I don’t continue posting I think I’ll go crazy, Arwen. But it would be even worse to have the quality of my posts suffer. I’m still grappling with the decision.
Best of luck to your friends. And to you – having a dear friend so sick is both heartbreaking and stressful. This is all such a terrible mess.
Thank you. I did a social media distancing this eeekend. Helped tremendously. 🙂