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Saturday, August 7, 2010

Camera Critters: Close Encounter With A Hawk


While hawks are a protected species, they are nonetheless quite shy in our area and it is extremely difficult to get close enough to one for a decent still photograph.  One may sometimes see them quite close when they are driving backcountry roads, but they usually fly when the vehicle stops.

One gave me a brief photographic opportunity this week, when I came upon him as he was eating what appeared to be a small rodent.  As my vehicle approached, he flew from the ground to a nearby hay bale with his prey, finished eating it.and then flew away.

Red-tailed Hawk-? Probably some other species, but it is a large bird!

Hawk Consumes Remnants Of Prey

Hawk Prepares To Fly Away
I did get a photo of him in flight, but unfortunately it was not sharp enough to use.  As best as I can tell this is a Red-tailed Hawk, but I am not an expert on these birds and welcome being corrected if I am wrong.
 

For more Camera Critters photographs, click Here!

Originally posted at Pennsylvania Wildlife Photographer by Willard Hill
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14 comments:

  1. DinaAugust 7, 2010 at 10:47 AM

    Great shots! So glad you had that encounter.
    From below, it looks like the hawk has such long legs.

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  2. Gemma WisemanAugust 7, 2010 at 10:56 AM

    Fantastic close encounter! Remarkable detail of the hawk in these photos!

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  3. DeniseinVAAugust 7, 2010 at 11:14 AM

    Amazing shots, what a great opportunity to take photos of this beautiful bird of prey.
    An English Girl Rambles

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  4. This Is My Blog - fishing guyAugust 7, 2010 at 12:19 PM

    Willard: It is always nice to get a capture as you drive by, This is a good type of drive-by shooting.
    I would have said a Sharp-shinned Hawk as the ID because of the pose. I also don't see the red in the tail.

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  5. imacAugust 7, 2010 at 2:16 PM

    Its a beaut Willard.

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  6. LivingSoAbundantlyAugust 7, 2010 at 3:22 PM

    Awesome job on your pictures. :) You can really see the details.

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  7. The Mistress of the DarkAugust 7, 2010 at 9:00 PM

    Beautiful. I think there are some hawks out by the Turnpike, Rte 43 in my part of PA. Gorgeous birds.

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  8. Ruth's Photo BlogAugust 7, 2010 at 9:08 PM

    These are super shots.I know all about them flying away as soon as one slows down.sigh!
    Blessings,Ruth

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  9. PeggyAugust 9, 2010 at 9:36 AM

    I think it might be a juvy Coopers, or sharp-shinned. The tail is quite long. None-the-less, great encounter!

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  10. PhilipAugust 10, 2010 at 5:43 AM

    What ever it is Willard the pictures are excellent :)

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  11. UnknownAugust 11, 2010 at 10:37 AM

    Beautiful captures, the bokeh you managed to get in these images are special...Thomas

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  12. Mel_ColeAugust 14, 2010 at 9:35 AM

    Impressive pictures of the hawk. Haven't seen one like that yet, but have seen ones that are red-tailed hawks.

    My 1st time to join CC. Have a great weekend!

    My Camera Critter Entry

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  13. Misty DawnSAugust 15, 2010 at 12:29 PM

    Absolutely fantastic! I cannot get them to sit still for me either.

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  14. Nontypical PursuitsJanuary 26, 2011 at 3:25 PM

    Really beautiful photos. I believe it to be a juvenile Coopers hawk.

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