Cooper's Hawk trying to beat the heat
Aug 6, 2018 19:09:44 #
It has been hot and dry here in Southern California this summer. We have a resident Cooper's Hawk that found a way to beat the heat, or at least cool down temporarily. These shots were taken with a Canon 7DII and a 100-400 II lens (at close to 400 mm). I approached the bird slowly, allowed it to settle down after each advance forward, and was able to approach within about 25 feet. The water was from a misdirected irrigation sprinkler and totally evaporated about 60 minutes after these pictures were taken. These have been cropped about 20% from the top and left side.
Aug 6, 2018 19:11:34 #
Aug 6, 2018 19:14:44 #
bajadreamer wrote:
It has been hot and dry here in Southern Californi... (show quote)
Very nice, bajadreamer
Aug 6, 2018 19:15:48 #
bobbyp7714 wrote:
Great shots. Glad you were able to get so close.
Yes, these were taken in a cul-de-sac with large pine trees behind it and this bird spends a lot of time in those trees. Many people in the area have bird feeders set out, so this hawk does not have to forage very much for food-it comes to him. Consequently, the bird is more tolerant of people than most of his species are.
Aug 6, 2018 19:17:01 #
gregoryd45 wrote:
Very nice, bajadreamer
Thank you. I have lots of shots of Cooper's but this set is unique.
Aug 6, 2018 19:21:51 #
Aug 6, 2018 19:37:36 #
Very cool. I have several picture of birds bathing but not a hawk. Unique. Nice clear and sharp shots. vz
Aug 6, 2018 19:39:53 #
GREAT shots of an unusual opportunity ! .......thanks for sharing
Aug 6, 2018 19:56:52 #
Aug 6, 2018 21:05:54 #
Aug 6, 2018 22:08:30 #
Appreciate the comments. All my camera gear was packed for an upcoming trip. As I was driving home, I saw the hawk in the puddle at the end of the street. He gave me time to park, unpack my gear, go back out to the street and gradually get very close to him. How many birds allow you the time to do that? Not many in my experience. I shot in burst mode and starting shooting at about 75 feet. Gradually closed in to about 25 feet. Had 168 shots within 5 minutes. Does not take long when you hold the shutter button down.
Aug 7, 2018 06:10:51 #
Aug 7, 2018 07:33:06 #
Aug 7, 2018 11:32:06 #
Aug 7, 2018 12:35:20 #
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