That a creature can move through the atmosphere unaided except by its own physiology has never ceased to capture my awe and imagination. It's a kind of magic I've always desired and could never accomplish except in dreams. It's wonderful to see it in action. Jan Sand April 22, 2011 07:59 PM
Thanks to all of you! Wonderful comments. I was out birding all day yesterday and came home to all these grand comments, FABULOUS! And, Editor's Pick for the seventh time on Open Salon, WAHOOO!
Susie, I am a digital shooter. I shoot with a Canon 50D and generally get this kind of shot with a 100-400mm Canon telephoto lens. Thanks for the great compliment!
The great red-tailed hawk rips to shreds a pigeon in the park. He waited hours for this moment, eye, wing, and leg perched to strike from atop a huge clock tower. Around and above him loom young birches spreading their branches like wings. Across from this, a courthouse, doors agape, dispenses justice with an iron talon.
Behind the park, a bank cupola points toward the sky, its monolith a shadow spread across the afternoon. Before any symbol of commerce stood, generations of red-tailed hawks fed on the weaker, inferior prey, as this hawk feeds on a pigeon now under the trees.
People walk by this scene as if blindfolded. They forget not long ago they lived in trees, prey to whatever hungry creature chose to snatch them from a bower. Now they would judge, doubt, and blame with a steady finger; wage endless, bloody war, yet call all death evil.
The red-tailed hawk feasting in the park: This is the truth of the universe. mrtmaninri April 22, 2011 11:14 PM
How long have you been shooting?I will totally honest, I am so inspired by people like you and trying to talk myself into taking the next step (like getting my own website), I just get too intimated to do so. How did you get started, if you don't mind me asking..
Yes I saw the word magnifient on the post down below, it is perfect to describe the Red Tail Hawk you have taken pictures of. MOMSACOMIC April 23, 2011 12:10 AM
Agreed, Rodney they are all stellar. Thanks for the comment and compliment. They are hard shots to get, all of them including the 'perched/stills.' I am very patient, and will wait nearly indefinitely. My friends are often annoyed because I'm late to meet with them having HAD to stop and photograph something on the way. And, my dentist isn't too impressed with me, but I'm delighted that there are some of you out there who are. Thank you!
Congratulations AGAIN! As they say in the newspaper business, you’re featured on page 1, “above the fold”. I told you that red-tailed image was an outstanding composition, and the editor obviously agreed.
That they do quite well, with seeming effortlessness. Magnificent. And magnificently photographed against troublesome back-lighting. Brassawe April 23, 2011 03:37 PM
Very nicely done. We have many of these where I live (rich farmland, abundant with rodents for feeding their chicks) and these photos are a lovely testament to their beauty. Indelible Ink April 24, 2011 08:57
HG, Val W., Lunchlady2 and Indelible Ink, Thank you for your comments and compliments. They are, inarguably, a stunning bird. We have lots of them here. I look for them every time I go by that particular tree as they often perch there, hunting. It sits on the margin of a huge meadow of an old farm. Just the kind of envrionment Indelible Ink refers to.
Christina, Thanks very much. Great to have a new reader! In Maine, Red-tailed hawks are common here through the summer months. They are mostly migratory so we don't see many in the winter, though we can.
i love your work - I'm so glad that you are recognized for the unique voice that you have...keep it up and keep pming me when you do - take care friend! I'm honored to "know" you... Heidi
Happy Earth Day and Friday Fly Day...cool shots!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Dawn! Good way to spend Earth Day, that's for sure!
ReplyDeleteExcellent shots of a magnificent creature.
ReplyDeleteAtHomePilgrim
April 22, 2011 10:56 AM
I second Pilgrim's motion.
ReplyDeleteMatt Paust
April 22, 2011 06:03 PM
Marvellous ! Thank you for sharing.
ReplyDelete♥R
FusunA
April 22, 2011 07:00 PM
Fabulous shot!!!
ReplyDeleteChrissie Pissie
April 22, 2011 07:51 PMAnd..... well worth an Editor's Pick.
Chrissie Pissie
April 22, 2011 07:52 PM
That a creature can move through the atmosphere unaided except by its own physiology has never ceased to capture my awe and imagination. It's a kind of magic I've always desired and could never accomplish except in dreams. It's wonderful to see it in action.
ReplyDeleteJan Sand
April 22, 2011 07:59 PM
nice shots. R
ReplyDeleteSheba Marx
April 22, 2011 08:02 PMoh, happy belated birthday
Sheba Marx
April 22, 2011 08:02 PM
Thanks to all of you! Wonderful comments. I was out birding all day yesterday and came home to all these grand comments, FABULOUS! And, Editor's Pick for the seventh time on Open Salon, WAHOOO!
ReplyDeleteYou get the most amazing pictures. Are they digital or do you scan them afterward?
ReplyDeleterated
Susie Lindau
April 22, 2011 09:45 PM
Susie, I am a digital shooter. I shoot with a Canon 50D and generally get this kind of shot with a 100-400mm Canon telephoto lens. Thanks for the great compliment!
ReplyDeleteStunning!!!
ReplyDeleteSparking
April 22, 2011 11:07 PM
Hawk and Prey
ReplyDeleteThe great red-tailed hawk
rips to shreds a pigeon in the park.
He waited hours for this moment,
eye, wing, and leg perched to strike
from atop a huge clock tower.
Around and above him loom young birches
spreading their branches like wings.
Across from this, a courthouse, doors agape,
dispenses justice with an iron talon.
Behind the park, a bank cupola points toward the sky,
its monolith a shadow spread across the afternoon.
Before any symbol of commerce stood,
generations of red-tailed hawks
fed on the weaker, inferior prey,
as this hawk feeds on a pigeon now
under the trees.
People walk by this scene as if blindfolded.
They forget not long ago they lived in trees,
prey to whatever hungry creature
chose to snatch them from a bower.
Now they would judge, doubt, and blame
with a steady finger; wage endless,
bloody war, yet call all death evil.
The red-tailed hawk feasting in the park:
This is the truth of the universe.
mrtmaninri
April 22, 2011 11:14 PM
That's quite a poem, Mrtmaninri. Thank you. As a wildlife photographer, I am always looking for the 'wild' in the being I photograph.
ReplyDeleteHow long have you been shooting?I will totally honest, I am so inspired by people like you and trying to talk myself into taking the next step (like getting my own website), I just get too intimated to do so. How did you get started, if you don't mind me asking..
ReplyDeleteYes I saw the word magnifient on the post down below, it is perfect to describe the Red Tail Hawk you have taken pictures of.
ReplyDeleteMOMSACOMIC
April 23, 2011 12:10 AM
Angela, I've been shooting about 5 years seriously. Thank you for the extraordinary regard for my work. Don't be afraid: launch.
ReplyDeleteMomSaComic (great username!), Thank you very much.
ReplyDeleteThose aren't easy shots to get. Very nice. From hawks to hummers they are all beautiful.
ReplyDeleteRodney Roe
April 23, 2011 06:28 AM
Agreed, Rodney they are all stellar. Thanks for the comment and compliment. They are hard shots to get, all of them including the 'perched/stills.' I am very patient, and will wait nearly indefinitely. My friends are often annoyed because I'm late to meet with them having HAD to stop and photograph something on the way. And, my dentist isn't too impressed with me, but I'm delighted that there are some of you out there who are. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteGreat shots, Robin! Congrats!
ReplyDelete-Shawn
Fantastic photos !!! Congrats on your #7 open salon.
ReplyDeletebmc
Hey pal,
ReplyDeleteCongratulations AGAIN! As they say in the newspaper business, you’re featured on page 1, “above the fold”. I told you that red-tailed image was an outstanding composition, and the editor obviously agreed.
Mo Dudley commented on your link.
ReplyDeleteMo wrote: "nice!!! those shots are awesome!!"
Great shots as always, Robin! One of my favorite birds, but one that I've never managed to photograph.
ReplyDeletePaul, thanks very much! I actually have photographed them lots of times, but these are probably the most impressive images I've captured.
ReplyDeletebeautiful framing - rated with hugs and a biiiiiig happy smile :) you have such wonderful eyes
ReplyDeleteRolling
April 23, 2011 01:05 PM
Beautiful...what more could I say?
ReplyDeleteChristine Geery
April 23, 2011 03:32 PM
That they do quite well, with seeming effortlessness. Magnificent. And magnificently photographed against troublesome back-lighting.
ReplyDeleteBrassawe
April 23, 2011 03:37 PM
Great photo, Robin!!
ReplyDeleteCarol Beyna
Great Red-tailed Hawk!
ReplyDeleteA magnificent bird of prey! Excellent photographs of a remarkable creature.
ReplyDeleteVal W
April 23, 2011 10:58 PM
Oh yes.....
ReplyDeleteLunchlady 2
April 24, 2011 04:41 PM
Very nicely done. We have many of these where I live (rich farmland, abundant with rodents for feeding their chicks) and these photos are a lovely testament to their beauty.
ReplyDeleteIndelible Ink
April 24, 2011 08:57
HG, Val W., Lunchlady2 and Indelible Ink, Thank you for your comments and compliments. They are, inarguably, a stunning bird. We have lots of them here. I look for them every time I go by that particular tree as they often perch there, hunting. It sits on the margin of a huge meadow of an old farm. Just the kind of envrionment Indelible Ink refers to.
ReplyDeletegreat action shots, where do you find these hawks?
ReplyDeleteChristina Sportiello
April 24, 2011 09:03
Christina, Thanks very much. Great to have a new reader! In Maine, Red-tailed hawks are common here through the summer months. They are mostly migratory so we don't see many in the winter, though we can.
ReplyDeleteThose are wonderful photos! Congrats on getting such good shots!
ReplyDeleteRachel Wells
April 25, 2011 12:38
Awesome pic Robin. I want your talent! Our season opens Memorial Day. I hope we can meet at
ReplyDeletesome point this summer.
Take Care,
Valerie
i love your work - I'm so glad that you are recognized for the unique voice that you have...keep it up and keep pming me when you do - take care friend! I'm honored to "know" you...
ReplyDeleteHeidi