Swainson’s Hawks
I’ve just returned from spending six wonderful days photographing in southwestern Montana. The weather was lovely, the scenery spectacular, and the birds; as usual, were awesome including these two Swainson’s Hawks.
Swainson’s Hawk sub-adult – Nikon D300, f6.3, 1/1600, ISO 640, Nikkor 200-400mm VR with 1.4x TC at 400mm, natural light, not baited
On the last evening I came across two Swainson’s Hawks on the way back to the campsite. The sub-adult Swainson’s Hawk was chasing the adult while at the same time some people in a small pickup seemed to be chasing me to see what I was looking at.
Using a vehicle as a mobile blind works great but having two vehicles in close proximity did make the hawks more skittish.
This sub-adult Swainson’s is on its way to getting its adult plumage but it isn’t quite there yet. Who knows, I may have photographed this bird on another trip to Montana after it fledged.
Sub-adult Swainson’s Hawk lifting off – Nikon D300, f6.3, 1/1600, ISO 640, Nikkor 200-400mm VR with 1.4x TC at 400mm, natural light, not baited
The people or person in the small pickup were making it difficult to photograph the Swainson’s Hawks and they were making both of the hawks a bit nervous.
When the sub-adult bird had enough of them it took off and flew to the south. I wish I would have had a bit more of a head turn towards me as the young hawk lifted off.
Perched adult Swainson’s Hawk – Nikon D300, f6.3, 1/800, ISO 640, +0.3 EV, Nikkor 200-400mm VR with 1.4x TC at 400mm, natural light, not baited
The adult Swainson’s Hawk perched on a post after the people in the pickup left and relaxed and it lifted one foot. It may have spent the night perched there but in the distance I could see a huge truck rumbling towards me and I knew that the hawk would take off when it got closer so I took as many close up portraits of the bird before the approached.
Swainson’s Hawk with blood from its meal on its belly – Nikon D300, f8, 1/500, ISO 640, +0.3 EV, Nikkor 200-400mm VR with 1.4x TC at 400mm, natural light, not baited
This adult Swainson’s Hawk still has some blood on its belly from its last meal. Unfortunately when the hawk lifted off from its perch I wasn’t able to maintain focus but I am still very pleased with the portrait images I was able to create.
In the days or weeks to come I will be posting more images from my six day journey to Beaverhead County, Montana and beyond. As usual I was exhausted but elated after spending time in the wilds of Montana!
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to view more of my Swainson’s Hawk photos plus facts and information about this species.
Beautiful chest feathers on the adult! Your trip sounds wonderful-can’t think of a better way to spend six days.
Thanks Julie!
Beautiful photos, Mia! I love the last photo!
Thank you very much Charlotte!
Montana seems to be the home of beautiful birds and silky smooth backgrounds. Wow!
Dave, Montana is home to beautiful birds, smooth backgrounds and awe inspiring views! Thanks.
Gorgeous shots of one of my favorite hawks Mia! We don’t get to see them very often in California so I love seeing your exceptional images here. The first image of the adult on the post is my fave. Love that speckled white belly! Did you visit any National Wildlife Refuges on your Montana trip? There are 28 National Wildlife Refuges in Montana! If so, I can’t wait to get a report 😉
Larry, Swainson’s Hawks are such handsome raptors. Thank you for your comment on these images.
I knew Montana had more NWR’s than we do here in Utah, I didn’t realize that there were 28 of them!!
beautifull portraits, i like the second picture, just before the take off, well done mia ☺
Thank you Eric!
I love the detail of their bellies and neck in the last two, don’t always see this part of the body that clearly. In one case, I saw a fellow walking down a path while a Swainson’s was swooping down from behind him,very close, within two feet, and repeated this a few times while the guy was walking,oblivious to this. There was a nest in the vicinity.
Jane, your story made me chuckle, I wonder what would have happened if Oblivious Guy turned and saw a large hawk swooping towards him! Thanks for your comment.
This is a beautiful hawk! Great images!
Thanks Maria, both the sub-adult and adult have such lovely plumage details it is hard to say which is the most beautiful
Mia, awesome shots of the Hawk! Montana is a beautiful place to visit and the wildlife is abundant. I am looking forward to seeing more of your photos.
Thanks Eileen, Montana stole my heart the second time I visited there and it would have on the first trip had I not just been on the Interstate!
Very Envious of your time in the wilds of Montana!!
Beautiful images in a beautiful ‘big sky’ country!
Nicely done, looking forward to other images once you
recoup from the trip.
Thank you Dick, the wilds of Montana are a balm to me, it refreshed and elates me at the same time. Getting home and unpacking, culling, organizing and getting caught up though is tiring!