Naughty Red-tailed Hawks on power pole, Madera Canyon

[Gus Hallgren]

Hi Folks,

Today while driving up Madera Canyon for Gina's (wife) training hike, she hikes the last 5 1/2 miles then up about 200 steps we spotted a Red-tailed Hawk on a 70' power pole at our usual 5 -6 mile post. Pulled off to the side of the road, and from the driver's side I was able to get about half dozen shots when this other hawk flew right in on top of the other, and I took this photo and a couple of others. It was quite an exciting show for both of us . . . 2/8/2008 98 AM.
Gus :D

Olympus E-510 IS-1, with Zuiko 70-300mm (140-600 equiv) 1:4-5.6 ED,
Aperture Priority,
F 7.1
1/640s
100 ISO
-.70 EV
600 mm Hand Held
Auto WB
A tad of levels & USM

[Alfred Forns]

Gus those birds could end up getting a shock from their encounter !!!!!!!!! :D

Would have tried opening the exposure When shooting birds high (the underside) is just like an object in the shade At times could be problematic if the bird has a white area in full sun Might be able to lighten a bit Wishing they were facing you goes without saying I think you go the best from your vantage point !!!!

[Gus Hallgren]

Hi Al . . .What do you think of this? Gus :confused:

[Alfred Forns]

Much better Lots of detail and the color did not wash out !!!!!

[Gus Hallgren]

Hi Al, I used QM and New layer adjustment>levels on the underneath only. Glad you think it's better . . . Gus

[Nonda Surratt]

:D:D:D:p

Nice fix Gus! I'd recognize those tail feathers anywhere, I see them a lot. Not quite like that tho.

[Richard Kowalski]

Nice behavioral image Gus, and thanks for sending it to me directly too.

It seems your morning at Madera was more exciting than my morning at Sweetwater!

[George DeCamp]

Hey Gus,

I bet they both got a charge out of this! :)

Nice job on the rework. Certainly not the best angle but a good catch indeed!