Red-tailed Hawk with its eye on prey – Nikon D300, f6.3, 1/2500, ISO 640, +0.7 EV, Nikkor 200-400mm VR with 1.4x TC at 314mm, natural light, not baited
Today I have just a few images of a Red-tailed Hawk I spotted yesterday on a power pole in Utah County near the southern part of the Oquirrh Mountain Range. The Red-tailed Hawk was actively hunting using the power poles as lookout perches and a good many of my shots had the power lines in them unfortunately.
Red-tailed Hawk in Utah County – Nikon D300, f6.3, 1/1600, ISO 640, +1.0 EV, Nikkor 200-400mm VR with 1.4x TC at 314mm, natural light, not baited
While observing and photographing the Red-tailed Hawk I saw it catch and eat several rodents but always on the top of the poles. There aren’t any natural perches in the area but I sure wish there were.
Red-tailed Hawk in a dive – Nikon D300, f6.3, 1/1250, ISO 500, +1.0 EV, Nikkor 200-400mm VR with 1.4x TC at 500mm, natural light, not baited
The Red-tailed Hawk would watch for prey in the grasses and then dive down from the power poles when it spotted something. It did miss a few times and would come up from the ground with empty talons.
It was nice to get out and actually have a bird of prey in my viewfinder for a change plus we ran into a good friend and had a great time catching up with each other over lunch.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my Red-tailed Hawk photos plus facts and information about this species.
hello mia
it s simply beautifull, it s always a pleasure to come there, thanks a lot :)))
I really like these flight shots with the wings open. The head turn really makes the first one very balanced.
Mia these are magnificent … the … well, for want of a better word: “underlighting” that the angle of the sun gave you give US the most amazing view of a part of birdie that would normally be in shadow. Well done, girlie!!!!
These are really great pics for IDs. Now I am thinking what I saw a week ago could have been a Red-tailed, not a Rough-legged. Super shots, Mia!
Raptor in action!
Superb technical quality photographs, great composition, handsome model – all the elements of a successful photo shoot, Mia!
Nice shots, Mia. Is it common to see these hawks at this location this time of year?
Wonderful captures (yours and the hawks) – glad that you had a great day.
Very good Mia. The first one is my favorite but I also really like the last one too. Thanks!
Just beautiful!
Great images…especially like the third. Those poles are visually obnoxious, but sound like good prey spotting posts for hungry hawks. I sure hope your lunch tasted better than his!
Brilliant photos as always.
Excellent