Rough-legged Hawk on a National Wildlife Refuge sign – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/250, ISO 1600, +1.3 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light, not baited
Nine days ago this Rough-legged Hawk resting on a National Wildlife sign in low light was the first hawk I spotted and photographed.
I know that some bird photographers wouldn’t have bothered to stop and photograph this hawk because the lighting conditions weren’t great. One might even say that the lighting conditions were crappy but I like to test my skills in all kinds of light and I also know my camera can handle low light situations. Sometimes I like the results and sometimes I don’t. It is built into my nature to try to take the best images I can whether the light is poor or wonderful.
The first photos I took of this Rough-legged Hawk I didn’t care for but that was my mistake because I hadn’t yet adjusted my exposure enough for the raptor to be properly exposed. After fine tuning my exposure settings I was able to take a few images of this adult male Rough-legged Hawk that I liked well enough to keep and share.
I found about half a dozen Rough-legged Hawks that morning at Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge and while the rest of them were in much better light I liked the moodiness that the low light created in this image so much that I wanted to share it this morning.
I don’t always want or need to have perfect light when I am out in the field. Some of my favorite images in my galleries were taken in less than optimal conditions.
Tip of the day: Don’t pass up an opportunity to photograph a bird or animal just because of low light.
I’m glad I took the photos that I did of the Rough-legged Hawk despite the less than optimal lighting conditions that I had.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to view more of my Rough-legged Hawk photos plus facts and information about this species.
Your willingness to post pictures under all kinds of conditions helps everyone to appreciate what the birds experience, too. Life for them is rarely perfect; good journalism uncovers everything!
Thanks.
Truly beautiful shot. The subdued lighting suits this subject perfectly. Exceptional capture of a truly magnificent bird. Thanks!
It would be a shame not to have documentation of this very handsome hawk. I’m so glad that you decided to stop and take some shots. I especially like the little peek-a-boo talon.
Any photographer who waited for optimal conditions would I suspect take very few photos – and miss and immense number of chances to hone their craft.
What a gorgeous picture! Wonderful bird, too!
These are such beautiful hawks. They’re one of my favorite winter birds.