Coopers Hawk

Gallery: AvianPosted February 17, 2012196 views6 comments

Was at the local nature center looking at birds through the windows of the bird viewing room. Lots of small birds, when I saw a large shadow cross the ground and all of the birds took off, some into the nearby bushes. Then I spotted this Coopers hawk hiding behind the bushes, it then dove into the bushes and tried to catch a small bird. Failing to do so he flew up to the split rail fence and waited to see if any bird would show up. After a few minutes he flew off only to return again in about 10 minutes, waited again w/o sucess. Neat experience to be able to watch him up close.

Canon T3i
1/400 @ F-7 ISO 400
Canon EF70-300 IS USM @ 300mm
IS on HH
Taken through am amber tinted window. Converted from RAW

Comments

6 comments

Comment posted by Nate Chappell on February 17, 2012 at 8:24 PM

Nice portrait John, a great look at those talons. I would apply a little selective sharpening to the face of the hawk.

Registered on February 1, 2006, 1158 Posts, 19528 Comments

Comment posted by Jim Hansen on February 17, 2012 at 8:31 PM

Really nice shot! I agree about the selective sharpening.

Registered on May 5, 2011, 161 Posts, 908 Comments

Comment posted by Jim DeWitt on February 17, 2012 at 11:52 PM

Gives a whole new meaning to the phrase, "bird feeder," doesn't it? Lovely capture. I agree with Nate on selective sharpening of the head. Maybe a bit more room below the tail, balanced with a bit more room for the bird to look into? A question, not a nit. Just a kid, by the eye color.

Registered on August 28, 2006, 1240 Posts, 8506 Comments

Comment posted by SandyRichardsBrown on February 18, 2012 at 12:03 AM

Really nice look at this Cooper's! Great pose, nice perch and BG and placed well in the frame.
I agree with a little more sharpening to the head.
Nice work -

Sandy

Registered on November 24, 2003, 3937 Posts, 12909 Comments

Comment posted by Brian Gatlin on February 19, 2012 at 8:18 PM

great pose, nice comp, and a nice setting, John. I agree that it could stand a little more sharpening, however, I think it looks very good considering it was taken through a window, and the colors look very natural to my eye for it being a tinted window. I had a Sharp-shinned Hawk at point blank range about 10 feet outside my window yesterday, but got no pics.

Registered on March 21, 2009, 202 Posts, 4187 Comments

Comment posted by William Bickle on February 20, 2012 at 8:53 AM

hello John

Nice capture!! All nits covered. Seems like he was showing off to you with his talons positioned just-so. Very difficult to see and capture these birds from our area, Not many opportunities. Enjoy the image. TFS

Bill

Registered on June 13, 2011, 183 Posts, 1702 Comments