Pair of Red-tails basking in morning light, Centennial Valley, Beaverhead County, MontanaRed-tailed Hawks in Montana soaking up the morning light – Nikon D300, f8, 1/1000, ISO 640, +0.3 EV, Nikkor 200-400mm VR with 1.4x TC at 400mm, natural light, not baited

I photographed this mated pair of Red-tailed Hawks last week in western Montana as they soaked up the warming rays of the morning sun. I love the coloring of both the hawks especially the male at the bottom. I’ve seen this resident pair at this same location two years in a row now.

We traveled extensively during the trip last week to many counties in Montana and a few in Idaho and I took 6022 images including landscapes, mammals and some flowers and spent time photographing from sunrise to sundown with short breaks during the afternoon to unload cards when the light was at its harshest.

Montana was beautiful and I can’t wait to go back.

Life is good.

Mia

Click here to see more of my Red-tailed Hawk photos plus facts and information about this species.