Swainson’s Hawk on Warning Sign – Nikon D810, f9, 1/1250, ISO 400, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light, not baited
Two days ago after I photographed the three Short-eared Owl chicks I drove further north in Box Elder County and came upon one Swainson’s Hawk after another perched on fence posts and signs along the road and flying above the fields to the east and west. I’d say within one mile there were at least 15 or more Swainson’s Hawks that I could see with my naked eyes.
So when I photographed the adult Swainson’s Hawk above on a warning sign for buried cable I knew I had the title for this post.
Swainson’s Hawk and a field of green – Nikon D810, f6.3, 1/2000, ISO 400, +0.3 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light, not baited
This Swainson’s Hawk seemed to have a paler head than the adults nearby or even those in my photo galleries so I wondered if this is a sub-adult about to go into adult plumage. Swainson’s Hawks do take several years to develop definitive basic plumage. I’ll leave the age of this Swainson’s Hawk to experts though.
Regal Swainson’s Hawk – Nikon D810, f9, 1/800, ISO 400, +0.3 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light, not baited
Almost all of the hawks I saw on that little stretch of road were beautiful light morph adults like this regal Swainson’s Hawk perch on a rusty metal fence post.
One thing I know for certain is that when the weather clears I know I am going to head back up there. And I will probably think about the title of this post… Warning – Swainson’s Hawks Ahead.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my Swainson’s Hawk photos plus facts and information about this species.
TOO MANY OWLS?!
No way
Ha ha! Funny!
What a coincidence that a hawk was standing on that warning sign.
Beautiful bird!
Wonderful images all but I especially like the feather detail on the second one.
Re: Swainson’s Hawk: YOU should open a PEOPLE-PORTRAIT STUDIO, too! Magnifique!
+ I’m with everyone else re: owls!
There is no such animal as too many owls.
I also love that you have a plethora (and can’t you hear the feathers in that word) of swainsons hawks this season.
“Too many” owls is never enough…especially Great Horned, Burrowing, Barn, Screech and Short-ears…and more!!!
Great pictures! Sounds like raptor paradise. Thanks to you, the three places I know in Utah are: Box Elder Co. , Antelope Island, and Bear River Preserve. Thanks, John
Gorgeous photos, Mia. What an exquisite find.