On Christmas Eve (before all the snow), I was sitting at the kitchen table and turned to look towards the feeders when I saw
this in the trees! WOW! A huge fluffed out Red-shouldered Hawk was perched just above the feeders. And the birds at the feeders seemed oblivious!
I ran to get the camera and initially took some photos through the window, but knew I needed to try to get the door open without spooking him so I could get some clearer shots. Not only did he let me take ones from just outside the door, but I slowly crept out onto the deck, and he did not budge. Husband opened the door, and whispered that he had the doubler in his hand, so I went back inside to put it on the camera and went back out to capture these wonderfully tight shots! This guy stayed put for probably 30 minutes or more before he decided to see what was going on in the rest of the neighborhood and I thanked him as he flew away for coming to see me at Christmas.
On Christmas Eve (before all the snow), I was sitting at the kitchen table and turned to look towards the feeders when I saw this in the trees! WOW! A huge fluffed out Red-shouldered Hawk was perched just above the feeders. And the birds at the feeders seemed oblivious!
I ran to get the camera and initially took some photos through the window, but knew I needed to try to get the door open without spooking him so I could get some clearer shots. Not only did he let me take ones from just outside the door, but I slowly crept out onto the deck, and he did not budge. Husband opened the door, and whispered that he had the doubler in his hand, so I went back inside to put it on the camera and went back out to capture these wonderfully tight shots! This guy stayed put for probably 30 minutes or more before he decided to see what was going on in the rest of the neighborhood and I thanked him as he flew away for coming to see me at Christmas.
23 comments:
Great photos! I can't believe the birds stayed at the feeders with him that close by.
WOW! Yes, there is an echo in here. Just...WOW! I see a fair number of hawks in flight, mostly as I'm driving, but man, oh man, to get this whole tableau...spectacular!
gosh....what a treat! Usually they fly as soon as I step out on the deck. Your first and last shots are fantastic!! The shot where he's surveying the menu is funny...and scary!
Now that is a special gift indeed.The pictures are gorgeous.
Blessings,Ruth
Wow! And you were able to get some great shots as well. What a lovely little Christmas visit.
What amazing pictures!
Hi there! I just found you from Dawn's place at Puzzle Pieces. I've seen your photo commenting on other blogs (Chronicles of a Country Girl, I think too). I just love your bird photos!!! You make mine look SO kindergarten-ish! I will truly enjoy following you as you shame me incessantly! :)
W-O-W just amazing pictures, Jayne!! Oh maybe I DO need to rethink getting a more 'involved' camera....*s*
Simply amazing! Such beautiful creatures! Unbelievable that the birds all stayed around the feeders with the hawk close by. Thanks for sharing!
Jayne, great capture. It's funny the other birds did vacate the area with it so close to the feeder. I have a Merlin who is a regular visitor. When it comes around the other birds make themselves scarce!
I really like you new header! That one's still on my wish list!
Beautiful Jayne! How many pictures did you take (that you will admit to?) :)
Fabulous shots... that is one lucky bluebird too. He was in the danger zone for sure!
Oh wow - beautiful shots! I would have been so excited I don't think I could have operated the camera! :)
Wow! Unreal that he didn't spook the other birds and stayed put long enough for you to get these great shots. A doubler is on my wish list and I'm saving my pennies. or now I have to rely on my 550250 lens but it's image stabilized and has saved several very iffy off hand shots for me.
Oh he's stunning Jayne! God Bless him for sticking around and not flying off so you could get those great shots. I love co-operative birds. lol
I am happy I got to see my first one this year. It was very patient with me and did not fly off when I approached. Your pictures are exceptional with the gorgeous light.
Oh my gosh Jayne, these pictures are beautiful! He posed perfectly!!
What a wonderful Christmas surprise. The photographs are outstanding!
What great luck! Well, yes - it's more than luck. Great work.
What a lovely visitor you had - a special Christmas gift! Your captures are wonderful, Jayne.
Gorgeous AND scary! I'm green with envy. :D
Great shots! I love to see the one of your feeding station!
So what is a doubler? I'm guessing something you add on to your lens that converts the distance? Tell us more.
Hey Valerie,
I don't use it much as it adds even more weight to an already heavy lens AND you have to use the manual focus on your camera with it, but yes, it does increased the zoom. Here is an explanation I found about them:
http://en.allexperts.com/q/Digital-Photography-3314/2009/3/Telephoto-lens-doubler.htm
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