Captive Harris Hawk

[Roy Priest]

This is a friend of mine's female captive bred Harris Hawk. The Harris Hawk is probably the most widely used raptor in all of falconry. They were a rarity when I saw my first Harris in the late 60's and sort of looked down on. Once they were understood people realized just how good they can be. They are very social birds and are somtimes known as "wolves of the air'. They hunt cooperatively and can be flown in packs as they do in the wild. It's a real thrill to be out with 4 - 6 Harris hunting rabbits or jackrabbits. These birds become so used to routines that if you leave the back of your truck open, when you start heading back to the truck they will be waiting for you already on their perches waiting to go home.
D90, 300mm, f8, 1/160 sec, iso 200,tripod.

[Axel Hildebrandt]

I like the details and composition and wish for a better light angle. You could lighten the eye and the shadow of the head on the back. There are some compression artifacts in the BG.

[Roy Priest]

I like the details and composition and wish for a better light angle. You could lighten the eye and the shadow of the head on the back. There are some compression artifacts in the BG.

Thanks Axel, this turned out way darker than on my monitor at home.

[Randy Stout]

Roy:

Agree with Axel re: techs. I really appreciate the back story. I love to learn about the birds behind the images.

I might personally give it a bit more room to the left if you have it. I also consider reducing the contrast a bit, that would help with the yellows being hot.

Thanks for sharing.

Randy