Clash
A pair of red-tailed hawks taking to the skies to battle.
A pair of red-tailed hawks taking to the skies to battle.
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Oct, 2018Views
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Awards
Top Shot Award
Contest Finalist in Covers Photo Contest Vol 51
Contest Finalist in Social Exposure Photo Contest Vol 18
Contest Finalist in Monochrome Wildlife Photo Contest
Peer Award
Magnificent Capture
Absolute Masterpiece
Top Choice
Superb Composition
All Star
Superior Skill
Outstanding Creativity
Virtuoso
Top Ranks
Top 10 rankTop 10 rank week 1
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Top 20 rankTop 10 rank week 1
Same photographer See allBehind The Lens
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Behind The Lens
Location
Washoe Valley in Northern Nevada is well-known for it's abundance of eagles and hawks. There's the old highway 395 route where you can see many of the hawks perched on trees and poles.Time
Sun was rising and storm clouds rolling in, weather report was scattered showers throughout the day. I woke up in a bit of a rush hoping to get out to Washoe Valley earlier enough to avoid any rain. I was able to make it out there around 10 PM, no rain only clouds. After driving on the main highway several times, I made my way down to the old highway. With less cars and slower speeds, the hawks were easier to spot. One by one I would pullover and spend some time with each hawk I came across. For the next hawk I wanted to get a little closer so I decided to pull up close enough without spooking it. While trying to sneak out of the sunroof of the vehicle, I pull out my camera from underneath me. The hawk still perched on the pole seemed to be more on edge than the others. I figured it was because of how close I parked to it. As I was taking photos of the hawk, I notice the hawk look over it's shoulder. A few seconds after, I hear a loud screech from another hawk that's flying around. While staying focused on the perched hawk, I hold down the shutter. Within a few more seconds, the hovering hawk swoops in talons first trying to get the other hawk out of it's territory. This photo was taken on October 4th, 2018 at 2:11 PM.Lighting
Overcast skies created even lighting throughout the day. Which helped eliminate any harsh light and shadows on the scene.Equipment
The photo was taken on a Canon 6d, Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM, and for cover utilized the vehicles sunroof. No other equipment was used.Inspiration
On the drive down to Carson City the day before, I noticed the amount of hawks that were perched and flying around in Washoe Valley. There wasn't enough quality time to spend with the birds to get some decent photos. After visiting Carson City, I realized that I would have to come back through Washoe Valley the following day. I then made an effort to get out to Washoe Valley earlier in the day to make sure I had enough time to take photos of the hawks.Editing
Nothing out of the ordinary for post-processing. I converted the image to black and white. I also added a bit of brightness, contrast, and black to the raw image to bring out details.In my camera bag
I will always pack my Canon EF 17-40mm f/4L USM. The majority of my landscape photos are taken with that lens. My Canon 6D body would be the next piece I would pack, since it’s the piece I have learned to use well. Then my most recent acquired piece the Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM that is always attached to the body. Not only do you get great sharp photos, but also fun to use. Finally, my Manfrotto 390 tripod for those low light situations.Feedback
Wildlife can be very unpredictable. Always give yourself enough space between you and your subject to prevent them from fleeing. Whether it's for safety or to prevent any wildlife from fleeing, any cover is better than no cover. Many birds have accustomed themselves with the presence of vehicles. If needed and if the road permits, drive to the scene and photograph out of your window or sunroof. Also, having a driver makes things a lot easier. Finally, be patient with wildlife. Spend some time with them to see how they interact with their surroundings and others.
