Hawk Breakfast
Jan, 2018Views
2436
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Awards
Community Choice Award
Contest Finalist in Subjects On The Ground Photo Contest
Contest Finalist in Food Chain Struggles Photo Contest
Peer Award
Absolute Masterpiece
Magnificent Capture
Top Choice
Superb Composition
Superior Skill
Outstanding Creativity
All Star
Genius
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Top 20 rank
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Same photographer See allBehind The Lens
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Behind The Lens
Location
The photo was taken in a residential neighborhood park in Orange County, California.Time
It was just after sunrise.Lighting
After I parked, I noticed there were two hawks going after a dove in the trees next to my car. The struggle was long enough for me to get my equipment ready. The fight between the hawks for the catch ended in a grassy area next to the parking lot. I guess the winner was too tired to fly away with the prize and was not willing to give it up either. I got close enough to witness the kill on the ground. It was early and a little overcast so I did not have the luxury of high shutter speed. Since it had to keep an eye on the other that was still around in a nearby tree, I was able to capture the victory stare at 1/80 sec.Equipment
I used a Canon EOS 7D Mark II with an 100-400 Canon L II lens at 400 mm.Inspiration
Catching a raptor with its prey is every bird photographer’s dream.Editing
I rarely spend more than a few minutes post-processing a photograph, maybe some burning and dodging at most.In my camera bag
For wildlife, I use the 7D Mark II and the 100-400 lens; for everything else, I take a Canon EOS 5D Mark IV with a 24-105 and either a 16-35 or 70-200. I travel light - Canon EOS M.Feedback
After I started paying attention, I have witnessed raptors and other birds of prey capturing squirrels, rabbits, smaller rodents, song birds, water fowls, reptiles, insects, fish, aquatic animals, etc. out in the open in city parks. It happens often, especially when they have babies to feed. Be aware of everything nearby. Have equipment ready at all time. Never run up to a wild animal to get a closer shot; they won’t stay. Enjoy.
