Diurnal Raptors – Page 73 – Feathered Photography

Flight Shots, Habitat And Depth Of Field

I’ve said before that plain sky backgrounds in flight shots aren’t my preference. But habitat in the background provides its own challenges for the photographer.

Two Bald Eagle Surprises – One Good, The Other Not So Much…

A Bald Eagle in my own suburban yard in the middle of a big city – yesterday it happened once again! But my delight was tempered by something ominous.

Photo Contracts – The Devil’s In The Details

A recent experience taught me that photographers (and other artists) don’t necessarily have to accept outrageous contract stipulations from “publishers” or lose the deal. There’s another page in that playbook.

A Kestrel, A Mouse And The Potential Demise Of Farmington Bay WMA

Yesterday’s post of the Barn Owl with a mouse (instead of a vole) reminded me of this American Kestrel with another mouse, also at Farmington WMA. I’m wondering if mice have now largely replaced microtine voles at Farmington and if that’s not a harbinger of even worse things to come..

Male Northern Harrier In Flight

Male Northern Harriers in flight have always been one of my favorite subjects. Throw in a menacing stare from those lemon-yellow eyes and you have every chance for an image that holds your attention.

A New Beginning – Ferruginous Hawk Chicks

It’s only January 1 and I’m already becoming weary of snow, cold, bleak landscapes and the dirty air of winter inversions. So I choose to welcome the New Year with a touch of Spring – Ferruginous Hawk chicks on the nest.

Bald Eagle Flaring For A Landing (+ an update on Utah’s dying eagles)

I drifted to sleep last night thinking about Bald Eagles, their majesty and their recent vulnerability. It’s almost “the season” for them in Utah and there’s a new threat on the horizon so I knew this mornings post would be about them.

Red-tailed Hawk In Difficult Shooting Conditions

I’m of the opinion that nature photographers should occasionally test the limits of their gear and their skills. For me, attempting to photograph this hawk in flight in these conditions did just that.

Male American Kestrel In A Pastel Setting

I haven’t been able to get close to many male American Kestrels recently but at least I’m seeing a few of them now. They were alarmingly scarce all summer.

Red-tailed Hawk Sucker-punched By A Kestrel

Yesterday I photographed an attack by an American Kestrel on an adult Red-tailed Hawk. What made it unusual was the fact that the hawk didn’t see the kestrel coming, so its reaction to being thumped on the head was, well… amusing.

A Barn Owl Hunting And A Delightful Surprise When I Arrived Home

Yesterday was chock full of avian surprises!

It was overcast and gloomy the entire day, the kind of day we normally stay home, but in an effort to relieve cabin fever we finally broke down and left for Farmington at midday. While there we didn’t see many birds and almost left for home after one tour of the area but at the last minute decided to do another. That’s when this cooperative Barn Owl came into play.