If I were a vole, I’d tremble in fear under the head on stare of this immature Red-tailed Hawk that I photographed last week at Farmington Bay WMA.
Immature Red-tailed Hawk head on stare – Nikon D500, f10, 1/500, ISO 640, +1.0 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light, not baited
I observed the young raptor flying towards this tree as I was driving at the WMA and watched it land. After getting to where the tree and the hawk were located I maneuvered my Jeep to where I could get the fewest branches in front of the Red-tailed Hawk. While I would have liked for there to be no branches at all in front of the tail of the young raptor that was not possible.
Besides the head on stare what I liked most about this photo is how the cool blue of the sky contrasts with the warm browns of the hawk’s plumage and the branches of the tree.
The intense, piercing stare is why I chose this image to share though. I recall feeling a connection to this young hawk while I had it in my viewfinder and I still feel it when I view this photo.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my Red-tailed Hawk photos plus facts and information about this species.
Great shot! The hawks stare is so penetrating it looks like he can read your mind. Very cool. Thanks Mia.
Great stare!
If I were a vole I would spend a lot of time trembling….
Such a composition! Do love the stare, and the matching colors of plumage and branches.