Willet - Run and lift offWillet – Run and lift off

 I wanted to share some bird lift off images today so I rounded up a few that showed different styles of lift offs. This Willet took the run and lift off approach from a boulder on Antelope Island State Park. The Willet’s left leg had just been on the boulder.

Western Meadowlark - Push and lift offWestern Meadowlark – Push and lift off

This Western Meadowlark pushed off with its legs to lift off, its feet are still on the Greasewood as it started to flutter its wings.

Horned Lark - Squat and lift offHorned Lark – Squat and lift off

Horned Larks often use the squat and lift off method, almost sounds like a weigh-lifting move only the weight lifter wouldn’t be flying away at breakneck speed.

Swainson's Hawk - Squat and lift offSwainson’s Hawk – Squat and lift off

This Swainson’s Hawk photographed at Red Rock Lakes National Wildlife Refuge in Montana also employed the squat and lift off method but it looked a bit more powerful than the Horned Lark did and the hawk didn’t fly off nearly as fast as the lark did. Look at that concentration!

Rough-legged Hawk - Leap and lift offRough-legged Hawk – Leap and lift off

Now this Rough-legged Hawk took a leap as lift off using its very long powerful wings. I’d give this bird a score of ten for technique!

Red-shouldered Hawk – Push and lift off from an old snag at Fort De Soto County Park, Pinellas County, FloridaRed-shouldered Hawk – Push and lift off

This Red-shouldered Hawk didn’t squat much as it pushed off from the old snag it was perched on in a smooth fluid movement that propelled the bird forward.

Flight shots are wonderful but so are lift off shots.

Life is good.

Mia

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