Red-tailed Hawk

Gallery: AvianPosted May 6, 2011109 views9 comments

I watched this fellow drop down from his perch atop the Visitor's Center building at Sachuest Point NWR and land in a field just before the seawall. He allowed me a fairly close approach as he was more interested with his breakfast than with me.

D3s
300mm f2.8
TC-14E II
1/500sec @ f/6.3
ISO 200
-1/3 EV
50% FF

Comments

9 comments

Comment posted by Barbara Graham on May 6, 2011 at 7:35 PM

Really nice look at this hawk, and really nice lighting.

Registered on July 27, 2010, 1310 Posts, 5035 Comments

Comment posted by Richard Ditch on May 6, 2011 at 8:03 PM

Always nice getting close to any raptor. I'm not sure where you did the crop but I'd trade space off the top for some more on the left of the frame if that is possible.

Registered on November 1, 2003, 1031 Posts, 12705 Comments

Comment posted by Angela McCain on May 6, 2011 at 9:41 PM

Nice image. Looks like you did get pretty close. I can see some breakfast on his lips. Wish for a bit more head turn. You haven't been posting much, and I notice you are shooting a D3s now. Good for you.

Registered on April 19, 2009, 367 Posts, 3589 Comments

Comment posted by antino cervigni on May 7, 2011 at 1:37 AM

Great capture, wonderful work. Regards Antino

Registered on April 17, 2010, 70 Posts, 202 Comments

Comment posted by Howard Cheek on May 7, 2011 at 1:50 PM

Very good details, love the soft light & natural colors Charles. I've yet to get a close shot of this bird..
It flies over now & again and calls out to me..It's starting to sound like laughter lately

Like the comp as the bird looks back into the space left, well done!

Registered on July 24, 2008, 1201 Posts, 10758 Comments

Comment posted by Ron Bielefeld on May 7, 2011 at 2:26 PM

A really nice comp Chuck. Love the FG and BG. The look back by the bird works for me. The best detail in the bird seems to be the breast with a bit less in the head. Very small nit on a nice shot.

Registered on December 6, 2008, 360 Posts, 7132 Comments

Comment posted by Cheryl Molennor on May 7, 2011 at 7:37 PM

I like your low angle and the soft pastel kind of feel to this

Registered on June 30, 2009, 300 Posts, 5051 Comments

Comment posted by May Haga on May 8, 2011 at 8:52 AM

Excellent work Chuck. Like the nice low angle. It is more interesting to capture the hawk rather than on their usual perch. Surprising that he allowed you to get close to him, they are usually so skittish.
May

Registered on February 22, 2007, 714 Posts, 8470 Comments

Comment posted by Fabio Giarrizzo on May 8, 2011 at 11:16 AM

Excellent shot- Like the beautiful light, the pose and the awesome BG- Great job, Fabio

Registered on December 3, 2010, 90 Posts, 1614 Comments