3 Raptors in 15 Minutes

[Loupey]

While I'm used to standing for hours to get a shot, I'd rather not if necessary - especially like it was last night when it was only about 15°F and windy.

It started fast, really fast. The moment I reached my spot, I spotted a male American kestrel flying towards me from my 4-o'clock. I only had time to jam the monopod down (up to that point the camera/pod was still on my right shoulder it happened that fast), raise the lens, and focus in time to squeeze off 2 frames.

A few minutes later, I saw the wings of a red-tailed hawk approaching from the other side of an oak tree. He doesn't see me until he is just about ready to land - he then immediately aborts the landing.

Exactly 15 minutes after the kestrel shot, a male Northern harrier is seen cruising over the fields. He made two passes and was gone for the night.

I should have left right then and there. But I stayed longer and froze my *butt* off anyway

[scott-devon]

Nice shots Loupey, and amazing that 3 different raptors showed in such a short period. I seldom see any kind of hawk and have yet to get a decent shot of one.

[AgingEyes]

Luck you, three raptors in action shots in 15 minutes ! Are the first and second shots of the same raptor (forgive me for not trying to ID it ) ?

[mattbikeboy]

That is great. In the past week I've be taunted by an Osprey (the thing won't come closer than an 8th of a mile). I did get a shoot of a Cooper's Hawk that didn't see me until he landed on a tree 100 feet away -- I only got one shot (at 250mm, dang it) before he high tailed it out of there.

Great job!

mbb

[Ron Kruger]

You're hot, Loupey.

[A.M.D.A.]

Love the kestrel one, good frontal view. :thumbsup:

You're hot, Loupey.

Like what...?

[paulnj]

loupey isn't that hot, but he is a good looking dude

You can't complain about finding a diverse population of winter raptors

[Loupey]

Thanks for looking. It was definitely a special moment.

One never quite knows what to expect out there! I've really enjoyed seeing the male harriers this year.