Hawk Portrait

Gallery: AvianPosted January 8, 2012115 views9 comments

I usually don't get too close to raptors for a shot like this, but maybe this is a good omen for 2012, as this awesome rough-legged hawk remained on it's perch and didn't seem to mind me at all as it looked on the ground below for a meal. I think it was more of a rush just to be that near a wide raptor as it was to come away with a few nice portraits of this beauty. This was captured on New Years Day out at Antelope Island State Park here in northern Utah... definitely a great way to start the year!

Comments

9 comments

Comment posted by Charlie VanTassel on January 8, 2012 at 9:10 AM

I wonder if this is the same Hawk that Ron D. has been shooting? Sure is one good looking bird. Well done, John.

Registered on October 18, 2006, 644 Posts, 4801 Comments

Comment posted by John Blumenkamp on January 8, 2012 at 9:18 AM

Thanks Charlie. There are a handful of Rough-legged out and about, but who knows. Possibly could be the same.

Registered on February 26, 2011, 58 Posts, 313 Comments

Comment posted by Robert Bunch on January 8, 2012 at 9:36 AM

It's amazing to me that you could get this close to a wild hawk. You really made the most of the opportunity. Great sharpness and detail, very nice comp and a perfect pose and this is really a beautiful bird. From the pictures I see from you and Ron Dudley I must assume that Utah is raptor heaven.

Registered on May 18, 2004, 124 Posts, 2503 Comments

Comment posted by Mark Schiebelbein on January 8, 2012 at 11:12 AM

Well done. Detail is amazing on this one. Not normally a fan of plain blue BG but it really seems to work with this.

Registered on November 8, 2008, 55 Posts, 393 Comments

Comment posted by Keith Bauer on January 8, 2012 at 11:58 AM

Sweet shot. The detail is fantastic. What a treat to get that close. Thanks for sharing this beauty.

Registered on November 20, 2003, 458 Posts, 4836 Comments

Comment posted by Ron Dudley on January 8, 2012 at 1:39 PM

Nice job on the portrait. Excellent detail and light. The slight head turn toward you is subtle but makes a big positive difference for me.

I wonder if this is the same Hawk that Ron D. has been shooting?

Charlie, I've been shooting multiple birds - not just one.

Registered on March 30, 2007, 437 Posts, 10915 Comments

Comment posted by Rob Graham on January 8, 2012 at 7:22 PM

Beautiful, with great detail and pose. I think Ron is right that the subtle head turn really makes the image. None of our hawks want to sit still long enough for a portrait.