Red-tailed Hawk juvenile at the moment of lift off – Nikon D300, f6.3, 1/2500, ISO 640, +0.3 EV, Nikkor 200-400mm VR with 1.4x TC at 400mm, natural light, not baited
One of the nice things about cruddy weather is that I get the chance to edit some of the images that are languishing in my files that I have taken but not gotten around to processing. Here are a few of a juvenile Red-tailed Hawk photographed in August on Antelope Island State Park.
I caught the juvenile Red-tailed with its feet still on the perch and its wings lifting.
Red-tailed Hawk the moment after lifting off – Nikon D300, f6.3, 1/2500, ISO 640, +0.3 EV, Nikkor 200-400mm VR with 1.4x TC at 400mm, natural light, not baited
This is the next frame, the young hawk has left the perch and its wings are in a fully raised position.
Red-tailed Hawk juvenile flying between rock faces – Nikon D300, f6.3, 1/2000, ISO 640, +0.3 EV, Nikkor 200-400mm VR with 1.4x TC at 357mm, natural light, not baited
I’d like this image a whole lot better if the hawk had been a little higher so the out of focus rock and foreground vegetation weren’t in front of the left wing and tail of the Red-tailed.
Juvenile Red-tailed Hawk about to land – Nikon D300, f6.3, 1/2500, ISO 640, +0.3 EV, Nikkor 200-400mm VR with 1.4x TC at 328mm, natural light, not baited
This is a “kick my own butt” shot because it is such a dynamic landing pose and I messed up by clipping the top of the wings. If only I had pulled my zoom back a bit or raised my lens a little. My bottom was sore for days.
Juvenile Red-tailed gliding by – Nikon D300, f6.3, 1/2000, ISO 640, Nikkor 200-400mm VR with 1.4x TC at 400mm, natural light, not baited
I think I was able to take about 20 images of the juvenile as it slowly glided by towards prey on the ground.
Red-tailed Hawk juvenile perched on Farmington complex rocks of Antelope Island SP – Nikon D300, f6.3, 1/2000, ISO 640, Nikkor 200-400mm VR with 1.4x TC at 400mm, natural light
I like how regal the young Red-tailed Hawk looks in this frame.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my Red-tailed Hawk photos plus facts and information about this species.
Awesome series of this beautiful young raptor.
Thank you Julie!
Once again, I am stunned by the magnificent photography, Mia. And so very thankful that you allow us to share these experiences. Many thanks.
Thank you very much Merrill. I think I have marvelous subjects.
Wonderful post! I’m still learning and the quality of your images gives me hope! One thing I notice is I need to increase my shutter speed a lot. I love all of these stunning shots. – Wally
Hi Wally! With birds in motion I try to keep my shutter speed above 1/1000 but higher is better. Thanks for commenting on these Red-tailed Hawk images.
Absolutely incredible shots Mia! I feel for you, I really do. You can’t imagine how many times I have clipped wings on take off shots even after telling myself to raise my lens a bit knowing the bird was ready to fly. I’m sure you will make up for that miss in one of your future wondrous escapades 😉
Thank you Larry, I can imagine how many times you have clipped wings because it also happens to me! Some birds take off by lifting up, some drop down slightly before heading upwards and then some do the opposite of what they normally do just to throw us photographers off!! 😉
Hi! Such great colors,details and a very moving group of photo’s!!! I love them
Thank you Mom, these hawks are so very beautiful that I wish you has seen them closer up when you were here.
Mia, these shots are amazing!!!!
Thanks Sherry, I think the hawks were amazing subjects.
Your red tail hawk images have put mine to shame Mia. They are gorgeous. I wished I’d had a better setting to capture the red tail like you do. Carol
Thank you Carol. Believe me, I find Red-tailed Hawks in plenty of messy habitats!
I agree. The clipped wings don’t detract from it at all! I long to get shots like that. Well done!
Thanks Dale. I think the clipped wing image is powerful and could have been even more so without clipping the wing tips. 🙂
Fabulous photos!!! Don’t be so HARD on yourself!!!!!!!
Thank you Nicole. I will try not to be so hard on myself!
Awesome shots, Mia. That clipped wing doesn’t deter from the excitement of the image. It is my favorite of the bunch.
Thank you Bob, it seems other people like the clipped wing image too. I am my own worst critic 🙂
Brilliant images, and you took it flying.
Thanks Bob, the hawk was gorgeous!
Great shots but I especially love the one of him gliding!
Thanks Beverly, I enjoy that image a lot too!
Beautiful Mia! I love the drama of the second image.
Thanks so much Joshua. These hawks are great subjects.
I don’t know but I think they’re pretty amazing Mia:) I know what you mean about clipping the wings off of the bird in the shot…..but when they’re moving, you have to track and unfortuneatly that does happen one in awhile. Hope you have a great weekend!
Thank you Chris. I just think the image with the clipped wings would be more compelling and powerful if I hadn’t clipped the wing tips. We win some and lose some when it comes to that! Hope you have a wonderful weekend too!
These are breathtaking. I can only feel my own spirit soar when I look at these. I no longer feel bad about clipping wings because you got the trunk of the bird and that’s what’s important. As long as the trunk is there you shouln’t feel bad,. Great setting and top notch photograpjy.
Thanks Maria. I always wonder what it would be like to be able to fly like these amazing raptors do.