Red-tailed Hawk in really bad lightRed-tailed Hawk in really bad light – Nikon D300, f6.3, 1/8000, ISO 640, +0.3 EV, Nikkor 200-400mm VR with 1.4x TC at 400mm, natural light, not baited

Sometimes I take the shot despite knowing that I am not shooting in optimal conditions, most of the time the results are awful but once in awhile I actually enjoy the final image.

This image was taken at Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area in northeastern Utah, there were dark, heavy clouds hanging in the sky and the sun was trying to break through the gloom as this juvenile Red-tailed Hawk flew over my head. I stuck my lens out the window, pointed it skyward and fired a few shots.

This image was the result. I like it because it is kind of spooky. Weird. Different for me.