Hawk

[rpcrowe]

Sony A6600 with 70-350mm G lens at 350mm ISO 320, f/6.3 at 1/2500 second





I am quite happy with this lightweight combination - effective focal length 525mm - hand held

[DanK]

Great captures


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[Shadowman]

Nicely captured, was this from the excursion where you thought a shorter focal length lens would suffice?

[Wavelength]

Fantastic headshot

[rpcrowe]

No - this was on a trip to the Ramona Hawkwatch that is put on by the Wlldlife Research Institute of Ramona, California (about a half hour drive from my home).

Unfortunately, I arrived a bit late for the presentation and was not able to get a good vantage point. I hope to be able to repeat this next Saturday.

The Exotic Bird preserve is mostly parrots and Macaws and those types of birds. That is open all year while the Hawkwatch is presented only during January and February. I will catch the parrots later.

There was some pretty strong side lighting on this hawk but, I don't use fill-flash for an event like this because it would bother the birds...

[Shadowman]

No - this was on a trip to the Ramona Hawkwatch that is put on by the Wlldlife Research Institute of Ramona, California (about a half hour drive from my home).

Unfortunately, I arrived a bit late for the presentation and was not able to get a good vantage point. I hope to be able to repeat this next Saturday.

The Exotic Bird preserve is mostly parrots and Macaws and those types of birds. That is open all year while the Hawkwatch is presented only during January and February. I will catch the parrots later.

There was some pretty strong side lighting on this hawk but, I don't use fill-flash for an event like this because it would bother the birds...

Good background, was the bird perched high or did you shoot from lower angle?

[rpcrowe]

Good background, was the bird perched high or did you shoot from lower angle?

Lower angle - the bird was being held by its handler and I grabbed the image as he walked past me...



and I was sitting on my three legged cane stool so I wouldn't block the people in the front row of seats...



However, the ground was so soft that one leg of the stool started sinking and I had to stand up. Since, while standing, I blocked the view of people behind me, I needed to leave.

I will return earlier next Saturday and be able to get a proper seat in the front row... Hopefully also get some BIF images...

[Shadowman]

Lower angle - the bird was being held by its handler and I grabbed the image as he walked past me...



and I was sitting on my three legged cane stool...



However, the ground was so soft that one leg of the stool started sinking and I had to stand up. Since, while standing, I blocked the view of people behind me, I needed to leave.

I will return earlier next Saturday and be able to get a proper seat in the front row... Hopefully also get some BIF images...

Thanks for the followup as well as the added images.

[rpcrowe]

Nature has done a wonderful job in adapting raptors for their life of hunting...

Some hawks have the strength of over 250 foot pounds in their sharp talons and the Peregrine Falcon which can reach speeds of over 320 MPH in a dive has nostrils adapted to breathing air at those speeds.

There is another adaptation among some raptors such as hawks and falcons. Look at how this hawk's eyes are shaded by its protruding brows...



A defensive measure used by birds that are being chased is flying into the sun. On a bright day, this tactic may save the bird by blinding its pursuer. However, the heavy brows of this hawk help shade its eyes to keep its prey in view.

[mugge]

I love the last image Richard. A stunner in my view.
Cheers Ole

[rpcrowe]

Thanks Ole...

As I said, I am quite happy with this combination of camera and lens which only weighs 1128 grams or just under 40 ounces. This is a light weight setup in comparison to my Canon 7D2 and 100-400mm Mark-II lens which is roughly comparable optically and weighs 1565 grams or just under 55 ounces...