Red-tailed Hawk lifting offRed-tailed Hawk lifting off – Nikon D810, f7.1, 1/2000, ISO 640, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light, not baited

Lately it has been wonderful to see and photograph more birds including raptors. I think the long dry spell that started the end of July might be over finally. The number of Harriers and Red-tailed Hawks is increasing at Farmington Bay WMA and I suspect it won’t be long before I see the first Bald Eagle sitting on the bleached out bones of what we locals call the “Eagle Tree”.

This Red-tailed Hawk has been hanging around Goose Egg Island the past couple of times I have been able to get out shooting and she is definitely a beauty. I wish the out of focus grasses at the bottom of the frame weren’t there but I was delighted to get this lift off shot that shows the wonderful and striking pattern under the wings.

I have been thoroughly enjoying my Nikon D810, it focuses very quickly and produces lovely images. This image was taken in  FX mode (full frame) because I was too close to use DX (cropped) mode and I did not have time to take my teleconverter off and I can quickly switch from DX to FX.

With any luck I will have many more opportunities to photograph this hawk throughout the winter.

Life is good.

Mia

Click here to see more of my Red-tailed Hawk photos plus facts and information about this species.