Shooter41 Loc: Wichita, KS

Last day of the year and I am taking images of multiple Starlings as they chase the small birds away and fight each other over new suet I put out late last night. Suddenly, all of the Starlings take off as if their tail feathers are on fire. Then I notice a Broad Winged Hawk that is standing on something in the middle of my back yard. When I zoom in and start taking pictures I realize he has taken down a Starling. I can't show some of the later images I took because they are too "raw." Conclusion: The Starlings aren't as tough as I earlier thought. They just pick on little guys and squabble with each other. Please share any suggestions you might have to improve my images the next time I get surprised by the opportunity to record birds of prey. F8; ISO 2000; 1/1250 second; Sony RX10M4; 220mm. Thanks in advance.

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WDCash Loc: Milford, Delaware, USA

Nice shot Shooter

I think that is a Coopers Hawk. Or possibly a Sharpshinned.

Jim70 Loc: Delaware

Guess that old saying is true - no matter how tough you are, there's always somebody tougher~

kpmac Loc: Ragley, La

Crowd control. Nicely captured.

joecichjr Loc: Chicago S. Suburbs, Illinois, USA

I love this shot! Your bird of prey looks like he's having an "OMG! What have I done?" moment

Shooter41 Loc: Wichita, KS

Dear Jim70...Thank you for your appreciated comment. It has been verified over and over in the UFC. (Everyone will get beat eventually and if they make the mistake of being a braggadocio during their reign of terror, it often comes back to haunt them when they finally lose and suffer huge embarrassment.)

Shooter41 Loc: Wichita, KS

Dear WDCash...I think you are correct. The direction of the feather pattern is different than that of the Broad Winged Hawk photos I observed. Would you agree that this is an adult female? Thanks for sharing your knowledge.

Shooter41 Loc: Wichita, KS

Dear WDCash...After further study, the white eyebrow and sharp shins in this second image pushes me in favor of the Sharp Shinned Hawk. Would you concur?

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Shooter41 Loc: Wichita, KS

Dear kpmac...Thank you for your appreciated comment.

Shooter41 Loc: Wichita, KS

Dear joecichir...That "OMG" look on the bird's face amazed me when the female Sharp Shinned Hawk quit looking around for birds who might attack her to take away her kill before she flew away with it. Suddenly she turned her gaze on me and CONTINUED STARING STRAIGHT AT ME, sixty feet away inside my kitchen window taking photos off a tripod. I was amazed at the eyesight she displayed as she monitored my movement. Thank you for your appreciated comment.

UTMike Loc: South Jordan, UT

Wonderful shot! You asked about ways to improve and there is always PP with the Topaz suite or something similar, but it is impressive right now.

WDCash Loc: Milford, Delaware, USA

Shooter,
I'm saying Sharpshinned because of the size compared to the Starling. So yup, we have an accord.

WDCash Loc: Milford, Delaware, USA

Its a fine shot Shooter.
I don't know your camera so I would be blowing smoke to make adjustment suggestions.
But, it looks a tad washed out. The grass in particular looks almost white and the hawks legs, I woul be more yellow. Are you watching your histogram and for "blinkies" ?
I'm guessing the colors are there just waiting tobe revealed with a little post processing. It could be as simple as adjusting to white balance a little.
As I said. Its a great catch, for the hawk and you.

Don,
I went back and looked over some of the images you have shared and the questions you ask.
I think you will be helped by picking upa copy of Bryan Peterson's book "Understanding Exposure, A field guide". I bought my copy from Amazon.Great book and teacher.
I think I saw that you are shooting RAW so there is a huge amount you can do to your photos.
Also, go to YouTube and check out one of my favorites Anthony Morganti. Search you tube for Anthony Morganti, Photoshop for Photographers"
Morganti is also a great teacher and he has alot of material on Post Processing.
He teaches about a few PP types available. I use Lightroom, some Photoshot for most of my photos.
Many photographers use many methods or programs. I have been led to use Lightroom first then Photoshop if necessary, but that me.
Keep at it. Your off to a good start!
Bill

Shooter41 Loc: Wichita, KS

Thanks again, Bill.

J-SPEIGHT Loc: Akron, Ohio