Red-tailed Hawk perched above Elk Lake, Montana – Nikon D300, f6.3, 1/80, ISO 640, -0.3 EV, Nikkor 200-400mm VR with 1.4x TC at 400mm, natural light, not baited
This past September I spotted an adult Red-tailed Hawk perched high on a rocky canyon wall as it looked out over the cold waters of Elk Lake in Beaverhead County, Montana. The light wasn’t great but by focusing on the hawk and avoiding having the bright sky in my frame I was able to get a nice exposure that didn’t have blown whites and one where fine detail shows in the dark plumage of the hawk. I could have easily passed up taking this image because of the lighting challenges but I am glad I didn’t because I actually enjoy the textures and shapes contained in this rocky setting and the pose of the Red-tailed Hawk.
As I processed this file I noticed that there is a cone from some type of conifer by the feet of this hawk. The cone may have been entangled in the hawks plumage from another location because there weren’t any coniferous trees in that general area. I didn’t see the Red-tailed Hawk fly off though so I can’t be sure that it was stuck to the hawk. One of nature’s mysteries I suppose.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my Red-tailed Hawk photos plus facts and information about this species.
Red tails are abundant in this area. ( Leroy Texas ) My guess is because it is a farming community and they have lots of prey to choose from. I was plowing one afternoon and saw one swooping for field mice.
Gorgeous dramatic bird – matched by his location. Thank you.
Great shot, I think the cone may be stuck, I saw what the sap did to my car as it dripped out of the trees.Didn’t realize the wings are so long compared to the body.
Another fabulous photo. That’s a great looking bird.
neat little detail, Mia–sometimes those cones can be really sticky with sap–maybe that’s how it got stuck?
Great Photo.. just love that ‘DeNiro’ expression.
Beautiful bird! Captured very nicely.
Beautiful image…he has “the look of eagles”…..It would be easy to mistake him for one…if you overlooked a few important details, especially the unfeathered “ankles”/ the “short pants”…
Mia, how beautiful!