A photo I wish I’d included in a previous edition of Feathered Photography.
Several months ago I photographed a pair of immature Red-tailed Hawks in an epic battle in the air and on the ground. I took hundreds of photos of their struggle and posted a few of them back in early November. But I should have included this one.
1/1600, f/6.3, ISO 640, Canon 7D Mark II, Canon EF 500mm f/4L IS II USM + EF 1.4 III Extender, not baited, set up or called in
While they were duking it out on the ground they were so so focused on each other that almost none of my photos allowed the viewer to see the faces of both birds. One or both of their heads was nearly always turned away, or in the shade, or hidden by vegetation or flailing body parts. The incredible action made up for that shortcoming but I still missed seeing their faces.
I hadn’t looked at those photos since my original post but last night I stumbled across this one where there was a very brief pause in the action that allows us to see both of their faces in good light. By the time this photo was taken the hawk on the left, the eventual loser of the fight, was looking to our right for an escape route. That bird was ready to throw in the towel but the talons of both hawks were still locked together so it took a while for the loser to extricate itself from the fight.
In my view, because we can see the well-lit faces of both hawks, this photo is strong enough to serve as a standalone rather than having to be part of a series.
Ron
This striking image beautifully punctuates the dramatic struggle you captured.
This is quite a shot, Ron! I’m so glad you found it. I really like the way the white chest and the crest of “Victor” seem to glow in contrast with the shadow, as if they’re part of a phoenix emerging from the ashes. I do feel sorry for our girl, though, as she’s definitely looking for a way out so she can nurse that leg, if nothing else. I hope that she has continued to heal and will be able to survive.
Marty, based on what others have said about her recently I believe she’s healed quite nicely. It took quite a while but I was afraid it would never happen.
Amazing you captured the fight and we are lucky you share your images of the tussle. I have the same problem with harriers when they go for prey in the foliage. I can see parts of the birds but none of the action.
Thanks, April. It’s frustrating isn’t it.
Joining with all the other accolades.
That is one incredible shot – towards the end of an incredible fight. Love the crest.
Thank you, EC.
What an incredible series! You can see a million Redtails sitting on poles and never see interaction like this. It’s tempting to contrast this with the playful tusseling that you see in young mammals . This fight seems ,potentially , a lot more dangerous. Great work! John
I’m glad you liked the series, John. I get the impression you hadn’t seen it before so I’m glad I included the link..
Well, it’s getting to be that time when love is in the air. Perhaps Samson and Delilah will reunite on more amorous terms. Although after that epic battle they might be nursing grudges.
Lyle, I’m pretty sure one of them is (or was) nursing an injured leg instead.
Jaw dropping fantastic!!
Thank you, Nicky.
Wow, a bit close for comfort. This is a stunning shot, Ron. You truly see some interesting behavior —- lotsa hours in the field….
Thanks, Kathryn. Perseverance pays off, sometimes…
A terrific frozen moment within the frenzy. Glad you came across it and shared with all of us.
Thank you, Mark.
I have seen that crest too, but not often. Very interesting photo to me because I was thinking that had I seen it just as a stand alone photo with no reference to the previous battle, etc, I would probably not understand what was happening. There does seem to be fire in those eyes, but you could just as easily assume this was part of the mating process.
Excellent photo as were the previous ones.
Thanks, Everett. Fire in their eyes indeed.
It is an amazing photograph, Ron! Perfect in all aspects.
The RTHA on the left has a look of “Ummm…. what now?”
Thank you, Ed. Yes, it was obvious that bird had had enough.
Well, redtails…so you know without me being ridiculously redundant.
BUT I will note that many people will tell you that redtails don’t have a crest. They do. It’s not a big, impressive crest like Harpy eagles, but it’s there. I’ll also note that this is where the phrase of having one’s hackles up comes from–the hawk on the right 😉 Have I mentioned that another one of the things I love about falconry is the ancient, arcane language that has survived to this day? And that from a proud old hag(gard)!
Laura, I’ve seen their “crest” quite a few times myself – almost always when they’re fighting or feeling threatened by something. And for some reason I see it most often in younger birds. In this photo it’s certainly evident on the bird on the right.
WOW! Yes, it is a standalone shot! 😍 The loser REALLY appears to want “out” and the weedy place they’re in doesn’t appear to have made that simple. Amazing how they “blend in” and yet “stand out” in their environment.
-20 this morning – was -25 when we went to bed. 😖
Judy, interestingly the escape route the loser eventually chose was through the taller, denser vegetation on the left rather than to the relatively open area on the right.in the direction that bird is looking.
Yes the loser has that “I give up” look!! I figured it was the loser even before reading Ron’s description .. . . .
Body language says a lot doesn’t it Terry.