Red-tailed Hawk.

[Karl Egressy]

This Hawk came in unexpectedly while waiting for the landing of a woodpecker.
It attacked a female Mallard and its nine ducklings only 15 feet from us, then perched on this tree snag almost at ground level for a short time. I had to take the camera off,
go around my wife and her tripod to go to position and shoot from hand turning the rig upright position.
Composed in camera by back focusing.
Full frame.

Canon 5DM3
Canon 500 f4.0 +(1.4x no time to remove it)
ISO 1250
f 6.3
1/1000 s
HH

[Raymond Barlow]

Congrats Karl, a pure and superb shot! One of the best RTH shots I have seen. Wonderful composition!

[William Dickson]

Great looking image Karl. and I bet it was an exciting time when you saw the hawk Well described, I was there with you Lovely details and look back HA on the bird. And, you couldn't have asked for a better perch considering the circumstances. All blends well with a great BG. If mine I would remove the wee white spot above the eye. Great work

Will

[stuart wanuck]

Clear sharp and nice bg

[Ivan Ellison]

Great portrait shot, stunning detail from front to back and a real menace in its eye.

[Ákos Lumnitzer]

HAd you have had some more time a little more room below would've topped this.
I don't mind the lack of an ideal HA here.
Wonderful details and very sharp mate.
A really exceptional image in all respects. Especially considering the circumstances.

Very well done Karl!

[Diane Miller]

Just gorgeous with a great view of the tail! Not easy (for me, anyway) to hand hold in the vertical orientation.

A little off the top would work, except for a magazine cover!!

[arash_hazeghi]

Great portrait Karl, sharp details and nice view of the topside plus I like the look back too. I might tone down the contrast a bit

TFS

[Frank Schauf]

Beautiful portrait, great pose and colors, Karl.

[gail bisson]

Love that red tail!
Great shot Karl!

[keith mitchell]

Excellent shot Karl ,colour and IQ look great.

Keith.

[Marina Scarr]

Killer pose on this portrait, Karl. Love seeing the red tail so clearly. You're dazzling me with your images!!

[Jim Crosswell]

Excellent image Karl! I like the pose, details, perch, BG and IQ. A perfect view of the red tail!