Spring is in the Air
These two adult Red-Shouldered Hawks have been visiting our backyard for years. Some years they bring their young to hunt. Looks like the beginning of a great y...
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These two adult Red-Shouldered Hawks have been visiting our backyard for years. Some years they bring their young to hunt. Looks like the beginning of a great year. DSC_2804
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Feb, 2019Views
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Awards
Contest Finalist in Mother Nature Photo Contest 2021
Spring 21 Award
Judge Favorite
People's Choice in What is in your back yard Photo Challenge
9Teen Award
Celebrity Award
Peer Award
Magnificent Capture
Absolute Masterpiece
Superb Composition
Top Choice
Outstanding Creativity
All Star
Genius
Superior Skill
Virtuoso
Top Ranks
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Same photographer See allBehind The Lens
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Behind The Lens
Location
One day last Spring I noticed the resident female Red Shouldered Hawk perched atop a long poll in the corner of the organic garden in our backyard. Shortly, along came the male. He approached from the East, sun at his back. He mounted her as I was setting up to photograph the female. It was a short encounter, lasting only a few seconds. He promptly flew off stage right. I did manage to fire off a click as the male exited the scene. You can see it on my Viewbug page and website The mating couple seemed unaware or unconcerned of my presence about 70 feet away on the elevated deck attached to our house. I just happened to be in the right place at the right time.Time
It was mid morning, probably about 9:00 AM when I noticed the female perched precariously on a 9 foot pole. It all happened so fast. My settings were not what I would have chosen with time to think, thus there is some movement blur. I felt fortunate to witness the event and downright lucky to have camera in hand before the male arrived.Lighting
The morning light was coming in low just over the trees to the east. The woods behind the couple was not illuminated giving a gray caste to the background. I am happy that then Sun had a clear line to the hawks. It emphasized the gorgeous black and white checkering characteristic of the mature Red-shouldered Hawk.Equipment
On the day of this event I was shooting a Nikon D750 equipped with a 200 - 500mm zoom Nikkor lens extended to 500mm. As is my habit when photographing birds and most other wildlife i was hand holding. I find there is rarely time for tripods.Inspiration
My wife, Maria and I, are fortunate to live in the ex-burbs of Washington, DC on a 3 acre lot with a quarter acre pond. The back third is in heavy woods giving cover to the many species of birds and wildlife that frequent our world. Each year a pair of Canada geese raise young near the pond. The frogs, snakes, insects, rabbits and squirrels among others attract predators of various stripes. I am always looking out our wall of windows, sitting on the porches or stalking the ground looking for something to photograph when I am not walking the towpath along the Potomac River and C&O Canal.Editing
This picture was shot in RAW format and cropped somewhat heavily after mild adjustments to exposure and contrast. The color is untouched. This is about how this pair look to the eye in terms of color.In my camera bag
I often carry a Nikon D750 and D500. My 200 - 500mm Nikkor is usually mounted on one or the other with a 85mm Prime Nikkor, a 105mm Micro Nikkor, or a 40 - 120mm Nikkor kit lens on the other. I usually carry, at least, one of the two cameras and the 200 - 500mm along with one of the other aforementioned lenses on longer outings. My excursions are often a couple of hours in the evening at the golden hour.Feedback
To capture interesting images of the beauty of the natural world spend time observing and appreciating the wonders of the Earth. Be patient. Be active, but let the world come to you. Surely, you must put yourself in the right places at the most opportune times, but one must wait for the gifts of nature. While you are out there, tread lightly, be respectful, disturb the natural patterns as little as possible. As you give, so shall you receive.
