My first Red Tail Hawk

I have seen these guys around but could never get a good pic or didnt have the camera with me. Finally they killed the seagull right by our building at work and after leaving today I noticed him finishing his feast. He let me get probably within 5 feet of him and at one point started moving closer to me and I freaked and got up from my knee and walked away. LOL

These are nowhere near the quality some of you post here but I am still excited nonetheless.

IMAGE LINK: http://www.flickr.com/​photos/mszuminski/6778​873959/

IMAGE LINK: http://www.flickr.com/​photos/mszuminski/6778​874257/

Those are both images to be proud of Mike; I should be so lucky!
I do have to say though that the 2nd image is much more pleasing to the eye than the first. To my eye, and on my monitor, the first looks slightly oversaturated in the red channel.

I have often heard that RT's can be very bold when they have prey and will let you get close. Sadly I can't speak form experience. Very nice.

Thank you both.

Yes, Steve. I like the second better myself. The only thing different is WB. I set it a bit warmer on the first one.

Some time ago I saw another RTH eating a seagull in that same vicinity and people didn't seem to bother him at all and there were a lot walking by him and taking pics with their phones.

I would be proud of those photos.
I had a similar experience a few days ago with a Coopers and his meal.
Its funny how close they let you get while they are eating.
great stuff.

Here are few more I just edited. I might have missed focus on couple of them.

IMAGE LINK: http://www.flickr.com/​photos/mszuminski/6779​579623/

IMAGE LINK: http://www.flickr.com/​photos/mszuminski/6779​580137/

IMAGE LINK: http://www.flickr.com/​photos/mszuminski/6779​580547/

You nailed them Smyke!
I would call them keepers...

Thats kind of like hitting the lottery after a while, great catches.

I'd be excited about shots like that too! Great catch and you did very well!

Thank you all for kind words.

I hope to catch him in flight soon. He did take off right in front of me but I was by then talking to a coworker and couldn't "draw" that quickly.

There are plenty of gulls in our parking lot so I know he will be around a lot.

Nice shots. The expression in the first shot seems to say, "I do NOT share my catch with humans!"

neat series, Mike

Nice.... and close. What scared you most, the beak or talons?
Rex

Not realy sure, Rex.

I guess I was mostly worried that I would drop the camera if I tried to defend myself. LOL

I have a question:
Is this guy/gal a juvenile? I have looked at many pictures online and most dont have yellow around the beak.