Mockingbird attacking Harris Hawk

[D. Robert Franz]

From last spring in South Texas. Mockingbirds never give up!

Camera Model: Canon EOS-1D Mark IV
Copyright: D. Robert & Lorri Franz
Shutter speed: 1/2500 sec
Aperture: 4
Exposure mode: Av
Exposure compensation: +1/3
Metering mode: Multi-segment
ISO: 640
Lens: EF500mm f/4L IS USM

[Steve Kaluski]

Hi Dale, great encounter, right place, right time!!! :cheers:

The BKG provides a nice 'pop' to the image, but I can't believe the hawks expression, not phased one bit. Nice techs too.

TFS
Steve

[Marina Scarr]

Cool capture. The harris' hawk doesn't seem even remotely Flustered by the attack! Lovely light and BG.

[Jonathan Ashton]

Well caught Robert, the image is excellent quality but I get the impression a little too clean - sounds a strange thing to say but the birds appear almost cut out and pasted onto that super clean background.
Don't misunderstand me I think it is a very fine image but there doesn't appear to be any texture in the background.
I dare say you are going now to shoot me down in flames so I apologise in advance if you have not applied NR:w3

[Bill Dix]

What a riot. The hawk couldn't care less; and Mockingbirds can be rather aggressive attackers. Very nicely captured. Good detail, light, action, bg. I'd love to see the next frame.

[D. Robert Franz]

Well caught Robert, the image is excellent quality but I get the impression a little too clean - sounds a strange thing to say but the birds appear almost cut out and pasted onto that super clean background.
Don't misunderstand me I think it is a very fine image but there doesn't appear to be any texture in the background.
I dare say you are going now to shoot me down in flames so I apologise in advance if you have not applied NR:w3

Hi Jonathon,

That is pretty much the way the image looks out of camera... BG is quite far away from the perch. Here's the image basically right out of the camera. Just sized, no NR, sharpening or other adjustments.

158359

[Rachel Hollander]

Hi Dale - Great image. As the others said the most incredible aspect is how nonplussed the hawk looks. Love it.

TFS,
Rachel

[Jim Crosswell]

Great image Robert! I like the action, sharpness, BG, composition and lack of concern by the hawk really makes the image special.

[Sidharth Kodikal]

The 'expressions' on the two faces are priceless. Nice timing and lovely overall setting?

Was this at one of those ranches?

[D. Robert Franz]

The 'expressions' on the two faces are priceless. Nice timing and lovely overall setting?

Was this at one of those ranches?

Yes I run my tours at Santa Clara. Excellent operation!

[gail bisson]

This is superb! Love the nonchalant look of the hawk. Priceless!
Excellent IQ with perfect DOF to get both birds sharp tip to tip.
Well done,
Gail

[arash_hazeghi]

excellent interaction, BG and nice details. well done