Red-tailed Hawk waiting for the morning light – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/250, ISO 640, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light, not baited
My favorite of the hawks I photographed in the West Desert yesterday was this adult Red-tailed Hawk on a fence post waiting for the morning light. I spotted the hawk near a corral from about half a mile away and hoped that it would stay long enough for me to pull into a good spot to photograph it.
The sun was rising above the peaks of the mountains to the east and had started to light up the mountain foothills to the west. When I took this photo the morning light was just about to reach the hawk. The Red-tailed Hawk may have spent the night on the gnarly old fence post.
Despite my best efforts, I was unable to capture this hawk in the gorgeous early light. The Red-tailed Hawk took flight with its back to me and flew out into the grasses far from the road as two enormous gravel trucks rumbled by on the road.
Of all the pictures I took yesterday, I thought this one was the most appealing to me despite the poor lighting on the hawk.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my Red-tailed Hawk photos plus facts and information about this species.
Ain’t they beautiful? My fav birdie captured in the pre-dawn morning light. Wonderful. Thanks Mia
Photo evokes early morning urgency of finding a meal. Great shot!
I like the little bit of “bed head” the hawk has as well as the beautiful red tail peeking through.
I am in total agreement Marty. Thank you and Mia both.
Nice morning vision of a wild creature in a wild place. Thanks for sharing!