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MaryO


Photograph Information Photographer's Comments
Collection: Sep 2009 Wildlife
Camera: Nikon D200
Lens: Sigma 100-300mm F/4.0 EX IF HSM for Nikon
Location: Springfield, VA
Date: Sep 15, 2009
Aperture: f/8
ISO: 200
Shutter: 1/640
Galleries: Animals, Birds
Date Uploaded: Sep 16, 2009

Viewed: 249
Comments: 4
Favorites: 0

 Was out shooting butterflies and bees when the hawk I've been hearing for days now decided to make an appearance. Actually, it quickly became apparent that there were two, but they never flew very close to one another while in camera range.

My battery was very low so autofocus was apparently getting tired. Most of the shots I got of him were horribly soft, this one's just moderately soft ;-) And a huge crop, besides, as he was very far up in the sky. Still, I love the full extension in the wings and tail that really show off his feather pattern.

I *think* he's a Redtailed Hawk (they're common around here) but I won't swear to it.

As an aside, I found several large clumps of grey feathers in the yard yesterday. My guess is one of the hawks snacked on a Catbird.

Much PP to get something I could live with.

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AuthorThread
 09/22/2009 03:23:32 PM
This is definitely a red-shouldered hawk!! Especially since you said you have been hearing him, they're pretty noisy. Coopers tails don't fan out like that and are smaller and Red-tails only have barred tails as juveniles. You can see the reddish tint to his "shoulders" too!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 09/17/2009 09:29:04 PM
Nicely captured feather patterns.

I would concur about this more likely being a Coopers hawk.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 09/17/2009 12:36:57 AM
Hi Mary, Nice shot of the hawk. I always take pix of Hawks no matter how high they are. You really have nice light on this one. I don't think Red Tail hawks have bands on their tail feathers. It could be a Coopers hawk.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 09/16/2009 10:49:11 AM
If you got this with a 300mm then he must have been very high. I also like the way the light is coming through the wings and tail, defining the feather patterns.
  Photographer found comment helpful.


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