Swainson’s Hawk lifting off from a grassy slope – Nikon D7100, f6.3, 1/1600, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm with 1.4x TC at 500mm, natural light, not baited
Last week I was able to photograph this Swainson’s Hawk in southwestern Montana as it lifted off from a grassy slope heading up Monida Hill. The bird was on the wrong side of the pickup so I slipped out the door and balanced my lens on the top of the pickup bed.
Swainson’s Hawk gaining air speed – Nikon D7100, f6.3, 1/1600, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm with 1.4x TC at 500mm, natural light, not baited
The Swainson’s Hawk’s legs were still dangling below it when this frame was taken and it sure looked like it had something targeted with its eyes. I wouldn’t want to be a grasshopper while this hawk was around.
Eye level Swainson’s Hawk – Nikon D7100, f6.3, 1/1000, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm with 1.4x TC at 500mm, natural light, not baited
By the time I took this image the Swainson’s had tucked its legs close to its body for less air resistance. The slope of Monida Hill in the background does look a bit messy but this is where these insect eating hawks are found foraging.
Swainson’s Hawk in flight – Nikon D7100, f6.3, 1/1250, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm with 1.4x TC at 500mm, natural light, not baited
This Swainson’s and what appeared to be its mate seem to favor this hill. This wasn’t the only time I saw them on the hill or on nearby power poles. I didn’t see any juvenile Swainson’s this trip but I hope to on another journey.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my Swainson’s Hawk photos plus facts and information about this species.
Note: I want to update my viewers on the Utah Crow Hunt. Yesterday we had a large turnout for the Wildlife Board hearing on the crow hunt, most were opposed to the hunt and we even had some hunters voice their opposition. Two members of the board voted against the hunt. Thank you Bill Fenimore and Mike King, your votes are much appreciated.
Three members of the board voted for the hunt, they are John Bair, Calvin Crandall, and Steve Dalton.
This isn’t over yet. Our voices will not be ignored. Once the audio minutes for the meeting are posted on the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources web site I plan to do another post on this issue.
Excellent images Mia. And thanks for your anti-crow hunt support, even though we lost that round. I wanted to attend but was still recovering from an illness, however did post my opposition at their site.
Utahbooklover, the board allowed for time for the board members to go into two separate rooms to read the emails that had come through on line from their site. At least one board member left the auditorium and I never saw him go into the room he was supposed to be in to see and read those emails.
This isn’t over. Not yet.
Looks like the new 500mm lens is working for you…. sharp images in tough focus situation.
Patty (as always) called the BS for what it is. We need to invest a whole lot more money in finding a cure for stupidity – and jerkdom.
Fingers and toes crossed.
And thank you for the Swainson Hawk shots to remind me that there is beauty (and a lot of it) in this world.
Beautiful hawk and photos 🙂
Maybe it should be called “Blackbird Slaughter” and simply be referred to as BS
I love that Patty!
Thank you, Mia, for all your work on the crow hunt. And also thank you for posting these wonderful pictures of these hawks. Dear birds: Eat all the grasshoppers you can find! Thank you, too!
Thanks for your support on the crow hunt Tana.
Thanks Patty!
I have to quote Forest Gump: Stupid is as stupid does
This is a wonderful take off sequence…espcially like the fitst fot the implied power of the downstroke to follow and the third for the graceful curve of the primaries…the vote on the “Black Birds slaughter” makes me sick!