Sub-adult Swainson’s Hawk perched near a nest box – Nikon D810, f7.1, 1/500, ISO 1000, +0.3 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light, not baited
I’ve been meaning to post images of this sub-adult Swainson’s Hawk in low light for about a year now and I am finally getting around to it. The hawk was perched on a fence post above a bluebird nest box next to a road at Red Rock Lakes National Wildlife Refuge in southwestern Montana two years ago and even though the light wasn’t the best I just had to take images of it.
Sub-adult Swainson’s Hawk in low light – Nikon D810, f7.1, 1/500, ISO 1000, +0.3 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light, not baited
I liked the weathered wood of the fence post with the lichen growing on it, the sagebrush and grasses in the out of focus background and the relaxed pose of the hawk.
The light wasn’t perfect, that is for sure, but the hawk was.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my Swainson’s Hawk photos plus facts and information about this species.
Just read the other comments before writing my own – and am fascinated that apparently several of us wanted to touch or hold the lovely feathered thing!! “I was going to say that!” Must remind myself, as the Decorah Eagles program emphasizes, these are wild creatures and not really meant for cuddling! I love the weathered wood, too!
Do you have a similar progression in age for Red Tailed Hawks?
Yes! The hawk is perfect. I almost feel I can touch those soft feathers!
Patty is right. It is a sculptural shot, which my fingers can almost feel.
The light might not have been perfect, but the hawk absolutely was.
Beautiful images, the first one with the nest box kind of reminds me of an avian version of Little Red Riddinghood and the Big Bad Wolf.
For this shot, I think the light was perfect…..or at least you make it look perfect!
I love the weathered wood(always love that stuff) and the contrast of the fluffiness of the bird…can almost feel the different textures…rough, sculptured wood, soft, feathers of the bird….
Beautiful image, Mia.