Window into a Red-shouldered Hawk Nest

[Marina Scarr]

Red-shouldered Hawks are currently nesting here in Florida, but it's rare to find a nest with a window. They are normally very high (as was this one) and covered in Spanish Moss. I heard a lot of hawk commotion coming from a neighboring golf course and decided to investigate whereupon I found the hawks mating. A quick search of the environs revealed this nest. During this visit, I estimate the chicks to be 10-12 days old.

Getting anywhere near a Red-shouldered Hawk nest can be dangerous b/c the adults are notorious for dive bombing passersby during nesting season. I made sure to wear camo, my hat and remained alert.

Canon 1D4, Canon 500L & 2.0 TC @ 1000mm
F10, 1/800sec, ISO 800, manual mode
Feisol tripod, Jobu head

Thank you in advance for your thoughtful comments & critiques.

[William Dickson]

Very well done on getting this capture Marina. I think the chicks are framed well, and I like the detail throughout.

I must try out the 2x on my Mk1 lens, results like this inspire me.

Will

[Richard Gollar]

Outstanding

[Joseph Przybyla]

Such a treasure, a lovely moment captured forever. I cannot see anything I would change or wish different. Thank you for sharing, Marina.

[Stu Bowie]

Hi Marina, lovely angled poses from both chicks, and that you captured their open beaks too. I really like how the nest is framed with a circular form of foliage.

Ive read your intro, but how did you manage to capture this at near eye level ?

[Marina Scarr]

Ive read your intro, but how did you manage to capture this at near eye level ?

This image is far from Eye level but by standing as far back as possible and using a crop camera, a 500 mm lens and a 2x Tele converter I was able to cut off quite a bit of the angle.

[Karl Egressy]

Wow, wonderful capture, Marina. Composition is great.

[Bill Dix]

Pretty amazing to capture this scene. I was about to ask if you climbed the tree, but you've answered the question above.

[Daniel Cadieux]

I love it, Marina! The double poses, the "key hole" onto their world, and the fantastic habitat all make the image for me.

[Stu Bowie]

Thanks for your feedback Marina.

[Raybel Robles]

Fantastic image. Really like everything on it. Just like Daniel said I love the "key hole" feel to it. Well done.