Long shot – a venture or guess that has only the slightest chance of succeeding or being accurate (in this case, not a photo of a faraway subject).
I rarely stop for hawks on utility poles because I’m not fond of poles and/or wires in my photos or plain blue sky in my backgrounds. But on those rare occasions when there’s a very close mountain to the left of my pickup that might be in the background if the hawk happens to take off in the right direction, I sometimes make an exception.
Two days ago in the west desert I stopped for this adult (see explanation below) Red-tailed Hawk on a pole because there was a close mountain out of frame to my left. However, I knew that if ‘he’ took off I’d only get the mountain in the background if he curled around sharply to his left and flew back in my direction, which would put him between me and the mountain. I estimated that the chances of that happening were significantly less than 1 in 20 – a very long shot.
But you miss every shot you don’t try for, so I stopped for him and took my chances.
As I figured he would, just before he took off he turned on the pole and faced mostly away from me so I thought I was about to strike out. But immediately after he launched he was already beginning to curl around to his left, as we see here. If he continued to turn to his left and come back my way, I had a reasonably good chance of getting the mountain in the background.
And that’s exactly what he did.
I got two shots I like as he passed between me and the mountain. His fully tucked legs and feet are an indication that he’d already been in flight for some time and was flying at speed.
This one’s my favorite because it’s a little sharper.
There’s something slightly unusual about this bird. He has the red tail of an adult (seen best in photo #2) but his eyes are still light like those of an immature bird. The speed of the change in eye color of this species as they mature can be highly variable so this hawk is an adult whose eyes simply haven’t changed color yet.
An interesting bird.
Ron
Breath taking photos of a beautiful bird. Your photos make my days so much better.
Thank you, for having a remarkable talent.
Kaye
Thanks very much, Kaye.
I immediately thought of Laura when I saw your post. I miss her and her love of and enthusiasm for Red Tails.
Love the last shot, but I think my favorite is the 2nd one — even with the pole and wire. I love the position of the wings and that gorgeous tail, the curl of the left primaries, and the little peek-a-boo of his head showing that light eye. Thanks to Laura, I’m guessing that really is a “he” we’re talking about, as his tarsi look pretty skinny.
Marty, I tried to judge the thickness of his/her tarsi but to me it was inconclusive, so I just went generic – sort of. And yes, that made me think of Laura.
Great shots of a beautiful hawk! I really like the 3rd photo – looks so calm but also very powerful.
Thank you, Bill.
When will you learn, good sir, you just can’t go wrong with a Red-tail, no matter where or when? This one is a delight in every frame! 😊
Chris, if anyone could get a Red-tail wrong, it would be me.
Photo the second says clearly where their common name comes from. I am so glad that you took the chance – and what a stunning bird. How I miss Laura.
Still no email. Sigh.
I miss her too, EC. I was thinking about her just yesterday.
EC and Ron, looks like I’m not the only one thinking of Laura today. 💜
Agree with Judy about photo #2. Even with the wires, it’s beautiful. The tail and that right wing – wow! And echoing Stephanie – your insights are always fascinating, and help with my own backyard bird watching.
Thanks on both counts, Carolyn.
Photo #4 is breathtaking, Ron!
Glad you like it, Karen. Thanks.
Interesting bird for sure Ron. You are very observant. I am not sure if I would have noticed that. I like the subdued colors in numbers 3 and 4. Very nice.
I once took a photo of what I thought was a Red-tail on a pole because it looked different. Glad I did because it was a Swainson’s and I had never seen one before.
Thanks, Everett. Some Swainson’s resemble Red-tails fairly strongly.
I always enjoy reading about your thinking and planning when you’re trying to get shots; so much skill and experience goes into your photography. Thanks for the images and the insights.
“I always enjoy reading about your thinking and planning when you’re trying to get shots”
Very good to know, Stephanie. Sometimes I wonder if I should go into stuff like that.
Bingo! I REALLY like shot #2 with just a hint of his eye, the dark vs. light and fanned red tail! 🙂
Good work, Ron!
Thank you, Judy.
He’s a beautiful bird. 🙂
Agreed.