Had to get Gina to her pickup point early (6:00 AM) for her Saturday hike as this was up Mt. Wrightson (9400 ft) that we can see from our garden, and would be longer than their usual hike. Not bad for a 73 year old kid, especially coupled with her regular 25 mile Sunday bike ride. As I was driving home, shortly after turning into our neighbourhood, this Hawk flew past my car and landed on a shed roof about 40 feet to the side of me. I grabbed my camera, opened the door quietly hoping to lean on the roof and take some photos. It suddenly flew in my direction and I bounced around liked a cat on a hot tin roof pointing the camera at the Hawk who landed on a tree, a roof and the street lamp. I was happy the Olympus has built in camera IS as standing up my balance is not as steady as you youngsters, and I was as nervous as going after my first Pheasant with a 12 gauge. Took about 10 photos and the one here was taken against a white Adobe wall BG facing South and the bird side lit with the early sun.
This is the first Red-Tailed (A light Juvenile first year) I have seen in our neighbourhood in 18 years (We have lots of Harris's, Coopers, and Sharp Shinned), and it was a nice surprise.
All CC's welcome and always appreciated.
Uncle Gus 85 year old kid struggling with 30 - 40 mins per day on the gym bicycle machine
Olympus E-520 IS, Zuiko 70-300 ED @ 450mm Aperture priority F/5.6, 1/160s, 200 ISO, -0.30eV, Auto WB
Last edited by Gus Hallgren; 04-26-2009 at 04:13 PM.
Reason: Spelling
A wonderful story Uncle Gus...:D I like the composition, image and capture...well done Sir.. the details are superb and I like that sharp eye...nice perch too...:eek: the bird has class...:p:cool:
Hey Uncle Gus, congratulations! You really got a fine shot out of that surprise. Love the high-key look to it and you really did some quick thinking on the exposure. I love the perch too, really gives it a unique feel.
Had a similar experience the other evening when a Northern Harrier flew close over my head and landed in the back yard. My wife and I were stunned, because this has never happened in the 20 years we've lived in this house. Just as I was saying "what are the chances he'll stay around while I get the camera set up?", he flew off! Glad you had better luck!! :D
Red-tailed Hawk surprise
