Neighborhood Hawk Ready To Swoop

[pendennis]

I was getting ready to go out on a couple of errands when I saw this hawk perched on the arm of the power pole in our backyard. I grabbed my D750 and the Nikon 200-500mm f/5.6. He wasn't in any particularly big hurry, so I started at the 500mm setting and f/11 @ 1/640, ISO 400, VR on. He stayed in that position, then swooped down to the ground in my neighbor's yard.



He then flew to the boundary chain link fence, and I ran off a few more exposures, this one at the 200mm setting, f/11 @ 1/160 @ ISO 400. He remained there until I grabbed a dozen exposures. He finally flew off in the direction of the aerie, which is several block east of us (he's one of a nesting pair). The distance was around 12 feet, and 200mm was very tight. This hawk appears to have belonged to someone since he has the tattered remains of a tether on the left leg; however, there's no banding to indicate a legal ownership.

[Shadowman]

Nice set.

[pschlute]

You got some pretty good shots , especially the first. I do love raptors, they are so majestic.

Anyone know exactly what it is ?

[pendennis]

You got some pretty good shots , especially the first. I do love raptors, they are so majestic.

Anyone know exactly what it is ?

I originally had it pegged as a goshawk, but some say it's too big for one. A couple of folks have pegged it as a red sparrow hawk or a rough legged hawk. I've looked at a number of photos, and it seems a bit light for a red sparrow, and the legs are a bit smooth for a rough legged.

[Tom Barry]

Excellent captures.

[Wavelength]

The first one is a totally different pose; second one is a nice profile....

[rudi]

….Anyone know exactly what it is ?

This is a Redtail hawk (Buteo jamaicensis).

[billtils]

Very nice shots Dennis, and interesting observation on the tether.

[purplehaze]

Especially love the first capture.