Centennial Valley immature Sharp-shinned Hawk – Nikon D810, f6.3, 1/1250, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light, not baited
When I was looking for the Trumpeter Swan images I posted yesterday I came across a few images I meant to post last year but didn’t get around to it, life gets so busy that if I put things off long enough I forget about them for a while.
Last year on September 8th I located and pointed out an immature Sharp-shinned Hawk in the Centennial Valley of Montana early in the morning as it flew low to the ground looking for small birds to capture and consume. It was a chilly morning and it seemed like some of the sparrows and bluebirds were on the road trying to warm up in the warmth of the rising sun. I didn’t see the hawk catch any prey but it was nice to have it perch on a rusty post for a bit in the golden light.
Immature Sharp-shinned Hawk perched on a metal post – Nikon D810, f6.3, 1/2000, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light, not baited
This young Sharp-shinned Hawk may have hung around a touch longer than normal because it was so chilly that morning. I’m glad it did.
Life is good.
Mia
Somehow, to me, it LOOKS immature – especially the eye – especially in the first photo. As if he is just awakening to the world and wondering, “Whaasup?” Not yet wise to the ways of the world – hence his hanging around a bit longer than usual….
I am glad it graced you with its presence too.
Beautiful image, Mia
Very nice pictures! Every fall we have a pair of Sharpies that show up, and then about March they are gone… We are in Idaho and wonder where they go for the summer…