Adult Red Tail Hawk In Flight

I went hiking today, quite a long hike, 5 hours and 11 miles. I took my 400 F/5.6L out with me to take pics of hawks and falcons. It was a very frustrating day. I saw lots of Red Tails, Juveniles and Adults, lots of Kestrels as well. I couldn't get a good shot of anything for the longest time, they were either way out of range or flying right into the sun it seemed

On my last hill out, I saw an Adult hovering very high above, second problem was the clouds had blocked the sun and it was all silhouettes

All of a sudden, the sun broke through and the hawk flew right overhead, here is what I got I was very ecstatic and very happy for the chance, it wasn't until I got home that I realized I had my best hawk (or any bird for that matter) in flight photo. Let me know what you think

sweet shot, well worth the wait I'd say......

ncbill wrote in post #2087683
sweet shot, well worth the wait I'd say......

The cure for my frustrations, and I was frustrated. I forgot to add, I had the chance for a great owl in flight shot but I had the 400 switched to 8.5m to infinity and could not focus close enough to get the shot in time when I did switch it, the owl was long gone

That's a beautiful shot of a beautiful bird. I raised two of those when I was in high school. I never get tired of looking at them.

canonloader wrote in post #2087738
That's a beautiful shot of a beautiful bird. I raised two of those when I was in high school. I never get tired of looking at them.

I am hooked on photographing these guys, so very beautiful. Do you have any shots up close from when you raised them

I'll have to look sometime. Seems I remember some old Polaroid or B+W from a Brownie. It was like 45 years ago.

But I live very near the woods again, and I still find myself always looking in the trees. I think I have a nest spotted, which will be re-used next spring. They usually lay 3 or even 4 eggs, and the strongest one will push the others out. All you got to do is check under the tree 2 or 3 times a day once they hatch. I'll be checking this one next spring. They are really easy to raise.

canonloader wrote in post #2087767
I'll have to look sometime. Seems I remember some old Polaroid or B+W from a Brownie. It was like 45 years ago.

Oh, did they have camera's back then j/k of course

Sure. They had some pretty good cameras. But nothing like todays stuff.

canonloader wrote in post #2087781
Sure. They had some pretty good cameras. But nothing like todays stuff.

I was giving you a hard time, I can't imagine what it will be like twenty-thirty years from now, 50 mp cameras

That's very good indeed. Colours and clarity of the image are there.
Also, that looks like an in-glide , not in-flapping-flight, shot.

Petkal wrote in post #2089459
That's very good indeed. Colours and clarity of the image are there.
Also, that looks like an in-glide , not in-flapping-flight, shot.

Thank you for the comment Senor Kal, I will change it to in glide shot

Pulling your leg, son. Those large Buteos are lazy fliers.....it's all flap and glide and soar....seldom one catches them doing a bona fide power stroke a la merlin and such.

Petkal wrote in post #2089520
Pulling your leg, son. Those large Buteos are lazy fliers.....it's all flap and glide and soar....seldom one catches them doing a bona fide power stroke a la merlin and such.

I might have a flapper for you, I am still processing some shots and I think I got one, stand by for stand by

Jim, that's a great shot, so sharp and crisp. Not to mention, he gave you the perfect pose.

Simply outstanding in-flight caputre.