Tuesday, January 14, 2014

All Business



1/160 sec. f/8 ISO 1000

This immature Cooper's Hawk alternates with the adults hunting in the backyard. These shots have been a long time coming. It has been unbelievably frustrating trying to get photos of any of them. They don't stay long and my past efforts have been unsuccessful. I just wish the hawks were more successful at hunting as the House Sparrow population needs some serious attention.



37 comments:

Stewart M said...

What great shots - time consuming? yes. Worthwhile? yes.

Cheers - Stewart M - Melbourne

Mary Howell Cromer said...

Oh wow, oh wow Brian, gorgeous young one!

Mersad said...

Very stern wildlife shot, with lots of authority and command. I like it a lot!

Mersad
Mersad Donko Photography

Montanagirl said...

Extra-ordinary shots, Brian. Wow - so vivid and sharp! They could visit my yard oftener too. We're over-run with House Sparrows, and Eurasian Collared Doves.

Coloring Outside the Lines said...

I agree- the sparrows are really being a huge bother to our purple martin population- we have one hawk that I have been able to spot. These are super shots Brian!

Christian Perrin said...

Such impressive shots! Thank you for putting in the time! Those talons look... painful.

TexWisGirl said...

really awesome job! love the 'blow the skirt up' shot you caught! beautiful sharp-eyed raptor!

Karen said...

Amazing close-ups Brian! I have a couple of Cooper's in my yard as well. Although they are magnificent looking creatures, I wish they would hunt somewhere else.

Beth said...

Awesome shots Brian!

Findlay Wilde said...

Just look how intense his eyes are. From Findlay

Bird Guide said...

Beautiful photos Brian. Always good to see prime examples of Coops and Sharpies! Peter (Bird Guide)

HansHB said...

Beautiful photos!
Well done!

Gail Dixon said...

I'm so glad you posted more than one! These are brilliant shots, especially the second one with the feathers fanned out. Gorgeous bird!

Nancy J said...

Totally wonderful, and if you did have to wait a long time, we are all the winners here, thank you so very much for sharing with us , those feathers are stunning , and the claws, hope they learn to do the job well. Cheers from Jean

Bas. said...

wat een prachtige foto,s en zo dichtbij,geweldig.

Lindsjö taxar said...

Great capture! You are very lucky to get this. Must be difficult to have them to sit a while

Pamela Gordon said...

What beautiful photos of this Cooper's Hawk. I like his yellow eyes, beak and talons.

Hootin Anni said...

Magnificent!!!

eileeninmd said...

Awesome shots of the Coopers Hawk! I agree about the sparrow problem. Have a happy week!

Wally Jones said...

Very nice, Brian!
I empathize on trying to get a decent image of these fast raptors! I'm still waiting......

Andrea @ From The Sol said...

You have been talking about getting a good hawk shot since I have been following you ... Well, you did it and in a big way. Magnificent shots of a magnificent juvenile. I think your youngster needs to learn to be more stealthy ... sit in a tree, blend in and be still for about an hour. Then he will have the pick of the crop ... he'll learn. And then your sparrows will get under control.
Love this, Brian ...

Andrea @ From The Sol

Debbie said...

Those talons are just amazing!!

I shared your image with the hubs ;)

he said my toes looked like that last week, before my pedicure!! Not fair, my polish wasn't yellow ;)

Grandma Barb's This and That said...

Excellent photos! Those talon look like they could take care of quite a few house sparrows! They are getting to be quite pesty.

Kenneth Cole Schneider said...

Stunning images, Brian!

Dave said...

Hard work pays off, these are seriously good, great effort Brian.

Anonymous said...

Majestic and serious...

Sallie (FullTime-Life) said...

Really great shots -- such concentration... (I meant on the part of the hawk, but that obviously goes for you too....thanks for your patience. these are wonderful pictures.)

Amy Burzese said...

Your efforts and patience payed off. These are simply marvelous. That is one beautiful creature. Thank you so much for letting us see it up close and personal.

Anonymous said...

Wow! These fabulous shots were well worth waiting for.
Awesome bird!

Anonymous said...

Those shots are amazing! Your patience has been greatly rewarded.

Ramakrishnan said...

The images are breathtakingly beautiful !

TheChieftess said...

Gorgeous shots Brian!!! Well worth the wait!!! This young buck just might be the ticket to controlling your House Sparrows!!!

Connie Smiley said...

Well, Brian, these are the best Cooper's Hawk image I've ever seen. When are you coming out with a book?

barbara l. hale said...

Truly magnificent! Glad you were finally successful!

Ida said...

What a breathtaking gorgeous bird. You hit the jackpot with these shots.

Carletta said...

Awesome series Brian!
My, my, look at those talons.
Connie had a good idea - a bird book would be wonderful. :)

Faye said...

Bingo! How close were you to get this kind of detail? And yes, that gaze is frightening. May I borrow him to put the fear of god in some European starlings? :-)