Short-tailed Hawk - Dark Phase

[Jim Neiger]

151542
Indian River County, FL - 1DX, 600mm, F4.5, 1/800, ISO 800, manual exposure

This is the only time I've seen a Short-tailed Hawk that wasn't just a little spec a thousand feet up. I realize this is not the best photo, but I wanted to post a shot of this rarely seen raptor.

[Grace Scalzo]

Jim, You must be thrilled with this photo. I would be. The only two small things that I might offer, is the catchlight real? Looks oddly shaped. And I realize that the belly is in shadow but I'd try to bring out more detail and I seem to thing there may be a purple/magenta cast? IAC, great image to have in your files.

[Jim Neiger]

Thanks Grace. The catchlight is natural. The hawk was in shade, but there was quite a bit of light reflecting off the water. I was shooting from my boat. I used the SH tool to bring out some detail in the dark areas, but I didn't want to over do it. I do see what may be a slight magenta cast. I'm guessing that it was caused by my use of the SH tool to tone down the bright areas a bit. I didn't notice it until you pointed it out.

[arash_hazeghi]

very cool frame Jim, wish to see this beautiful hawk up close one day

[David Salem]

Nice capture of a really cool looking hawk that I would love to see some day also. I have to get back out there:) BFAM