Red Shouldered Hawk Close-Up

Thanks for looking.

Mike K

Fantastic, Michael! Did you catch this one out in the wild or is he in captivity?

Captivity, It was out at yellowsprings here. It was a red shouldered hawk that got released back into the wild.

Mike K

Very nice portrait.

Excellent.

Very nice portrait, Michael. I think Toni is correct in asking about the captive nature of this shot, and think it is something you should think about including when posting the topic. There are guidelines and expectations when posting captive images. There is a huge difference in capturing a hawk portrait in the wild and one where a handler is holding the talons just outside the frame. That doesn't detract from the excellent image you captured, but it does help colleagues understand how the shot came about, which makes a difference in how folks respond. Thanks for sharing this gorgeous image.

I don't mind the fact that the Hawk was captive at all....I was merely curious, if it was in the wild, how you got so close to him. Thanks for the info, Michael!

Toni, are you saying the NPN guidelines for posting captive wildlife images are not important, or a matter of personal preference? I think it is a good policy, personally, and thought I would bring the guidelines into the conversation, as a reminder and as a topic worthy of public discourse.

I agree that if you shoot something in captivity it should be noted. Regardless it's a great shot.

Beautiful portrait, Mike. I'm in agreement with the guidelines on stating whether an animal is captive or not. Brian, I don't want to put words in anyone's mouth, but I don't think Toni was implying that the guidelines weren't important, but rather, regardless of the capture situation, it was a beautiful image.

On a point of ID, I'm about 99% sure this is a red-tailed hawk, rather than a red-shouldered hawk. Especially, if this bird was sitting on a handler's glove -- a red-shouldered hawk would not be as calm. Compare with these images.

Chuck, I don't think asking a question equates to putting words in anyone's mouth. I feel the same way Toni does regarding the image (really nice portrait work), and said as much in my post. I wanted to alert Michael to the guidelines regarding captive wildlife, simple as that.