Redtail? on the strike!
Jul 13, 2012 14:23:23 #
While out this A.M. prowling the everglades I was stalking a snake in the grass. As I usually do while in the 'glades I try to watch my surroundings, in case something should occur. During one such glance I was stunned to see this redtail (I think) diving for the same snake I had been watching.
Folks, this is why you buy good glass and have a camera with fast focusing ability. This bird was really moving. I spun the gimbel head, acquired focus ( I hoped) began panning (this is why I practice panning in my driveway frequently) and fired off a burst. Below is one of 2 of 6 frames that was useable.
For the record I have no snake photos, the hawk got the snake and left showing me his butt. This shot is close to full frame shot at 320mm on my 200-400mm lens.
Larry
Folks, this is why you buy good glass and have a camera with fast focusing ability. This bird was really moving. I spun the gimbel head, acquired focus ( I hoped) began panning (this is why I practice panning in my driveway frequently) and fired off a burst. Below is one of 2 of 6 frames that was useable.
For the record I have no snake photos, the hawk got the snake and left showing me his butt. This shot is close to full frame shot at 320mm on my 200-400mm lens.
Larry
Jul 13, 2012 14:31:09 #
Jul 13, 2012 14:41:51 #
Jul 13, 2012 14:45:12 #
Bret wrote:
Very nice shot....I cant tell if its standing or flying.
Thanks for looking. From the blurred other shots he is swinging his legs forward to make the grab.. I've always wanted one of those shots with the legs extended as the hawk zooms in for the kill. After today,I still want one. :-)
Larry
Jul 13, 2012 14:47:01 #
outsider wrote:
Nice shot. Is that a reflection of you in the hawk's eye?
Thanks for looking. I'm not sure, I tried to enlarge it to see, but it just became to pixelized to tell.
Larry
Jul 13, 2012 15:15:31 #
This dude is really, really focused!
It's great to be in the right place at the right time, unless you are a snake/rabbit, etc.
D
It's great to be in the right place at the right time, unless you are a snake/rabbit, etc.
D
Jul 14, 2012 10:24:14 #
treadwl wrote:
While out this A.M. prowling the everglades I was ... (show quote)
:thumbup: :thumbup:
Jul 14, 2012 10:28:34 #
Jul 14, 2012 11:18:46 #
outsider wrote:
Nice shot. Is that a reflection of you in the hawk's eye?
I was wondering the same thing. This is such a great capture. It really shows the intensity of how focused they are when they are hunting. Unless it's a juvie or youngster, these beauties rarely miss. I do believe, though, that this is a Red-shouldered Hawk.
Jul 14, 2012 14:44:24 #
davis wrote:
This dude is really, really focused!
It's great to be in the right place at the right time, unless you are a snake/rabbit, etc.
D
It's great to be in the right place at the right time, unless you are a snake/rabbit, etc.
D
But if you were the snake/rabbit---it would NO be the right place and time! :-)
Thanks for looking.
Larry
Jul 14, 2012 14:45:40 #
Jul 14, 2012 14:49:32 #
mollymolly wrote:
I was wondering the same thing. This is such a great capture. It really shows the intensity of how focused they are when they are hunting. Unless it's a juvie or youngster, these beauties rarely miss. I do believe, though, that this is a Red-shouldered Hawk.
outsider wrote:
Nice shot. Is that a reflection of you in the hawk's eye?
I was wondering the same thing. This is such a great capture. It really shows the intensity of how focused they are when they are hunting. Unless it's a juvie or youngster, these beauties rarely miss. I do believe, though, that this is a Red-shouldered Hawk.
Mollymolly---when he took off with his meal I thought the tail was more red, but from the shoulders shown here maybe he is a red-shoulder. If the photographer had gotten a better full body photo we could tell for sure. :-)
This whole thing happened sooo fast--only seconds, but I do love the look in the eyes. Wish I had zoomed out faster.
Thanks for the comment and the viewing.
Larry
Jul 14, 2012 16:17:06 #
Jul 14, 2012 16:48:30 #
Jul 14, 2012 17:13:09 #
Great shot! Thanks for letting me see this wonderful capture. I am sure persistence will pay off for you!
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