Two days ago I was able to take a nice series of immature Red-tailed Hawk portraits on my most recent trip up to Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge.
February immature Red-tailed Hawk close up – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/1600, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light, not baited
The young hawk was perched on a wooden post close to the edge of the road. I pulled over on the shoulder of the opposite side of the road as far as I could so I wouldn’t impede traffic and so that I wouldn’t have to move my Jeep if other cars came along.
The hawk was scanning the open fields to the east, west and south of the road for prey.
Immature Red-tailed Hawk head on portrait – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/1600, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light, not baited
Even though I was on the far side of the road I still had too much glass to fit the immature Red-tailed Hawk’s body and tail into the viewfinder of my camera. I decided to take portraits of the bird.
February immature Red-tailed Hawk portrait – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/1600, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light, not baited
Two frames after I took this photo the young Red-tailed Hawk dove down into a ditch after prey. When the raptor missed what ever food it was after the hawk flew up and landed on another post that was as close to the road as the first wooden post was.
Young Red-tailed Hawk looking for prey – Nikon D500, f10, 1/500, ISO 400, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light, not baited
I slowly moved my vehicle forward a few feet and took another series of photos of the immature Red-tailed Hawk on the second wooden post. The hawk took off and dove for prey seconds after I took this close up. Sadly it missed the prey again. When the handsome young raptor took flight from the ground it flew across the road in front of my Jeep and headed southwest towards a fence line that was a long way from the road.
I was delighted to have this immature Red-tailed Hawk in my viewfinder for a total of 135 frames.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my Red-tailed Hawk photos plus facts and information about this species.
The portrait shots are so different. Their eyes are so piercing. A nice series for your portfolio.
Stunning
I adore your portrait shots. They give us such an intimate view of stunning birds. Thank you.
Glad you found the Hawk and could take some nice pictures of “Her”. You have a good day. OPS after a second post here is the start of my first one.
Good morning, I lost my first post. I am so glad you found the Hawk and could take some pictures of “Her”. Have a nice day.
The eyes!!! Gorgeous!