Look what was outside my window this morning . . .

[AJ Montgomery]

This juvenile Cooper's Hawk was sitting on my landscape wall, about 20 feet from my dining room window this morning:

http://www.kajmonty.com/gallery/albums/fowl/IMG_0661.jpg

Exposure Time = 1/250"
F Number = F5.6
Exposure Program = Aperture priority
ISO Speed Ratings = 800
Date Time Original = 2007-03-02 11:00:06
Shutter Speed Value = 7.97 TV
Aperture Value = 4.97 AV
Exposure Bias Value = +0.67EV
Max Aperture Value = F5.6
Metering Mode = Partial
Flash = Flash did not fire, compulsory flash mode
Focal Length = 400mm

[canonloader]

Ah, nice shot. Talk about lucky. :)

[jorj7]

AJ,

Always exciting to get a chance at a beautiful bird when you're not expecting it.
Looks like you took full advantage of the oppurtunity, great shot.

[inthedeck]

Very nice...lucky you with the opportune moment. Nice bokeh too. I really do like the 400..when it's ON, it's ON!

[Reyno]

Is this one of your trained raptors? Excellent capture AJ...nicely posed and well exposed, and a beautiful contrasting bokeh.

[swiftybilko]

cool shot

[AJ Montgomery]

Thanks all for commenting. This lovely lady has been frequenting my backyard for the past few months. She has never been this close before and I was surprised to see that she would sit so long and let me photograph her. It was a pleasant surprise!

[dancad]

Very cool! I like the rain and wet perch. Lucky you...

[dazzlebea]

He looks like, had you invited him in, he would have gladly accepted. What luck! What a shot!

[Stephen Stephen]

Very nice AJ.

[canonloader]

He looks like, had you invited him in, he would have gladly accepted.
I was going to say, if he was coming around fairly regular, I think I'd get a mouse for him. ;)

[AJ Montgomery]

Thanks again for the kind words all!

[village idiot]

Beautiful shot. Do you have others?

[AJ Montgomery]

Beautiful shot. Do you have others?

Thanks! Here are links to some more:
http://www.kajmonty.com/gallery/albums/fowl/IMG_0646.jpg

http://www.kajmonty.com/gallery/albums/fowl/IMG_9822.jpg

http://www.kajmonty.com/gallery/albums/fowl/IMG_9829.jpg

[guitarman3]

Great shot AJ! You capitalized on a great opportunity.

[AJ Montgomery]

Great shot AJ! You capitalized on a great opportunity.

Dennis, even I get lucky on occasion . . . Thanks!

[dancinec]

Great shot AJ, you must have feeders nearby. Once they discover the easy meals to be had it will become a regular visitor.

[hTr]

Good Looking shot. The pose looks like a penguin

[kr88]

Great capture and so close to home. Lucky to have him there and nice work!

[AJ Montgomery]

Thanks for the comments folks. She has been hanging out here on occasion for the past few months.

[Samdiver74]

Lucky you, What a beautiful raptor.
Can't wait to see some more pics.