It's the Little Things . . .

[OBie]

that mean a lot. And the little things that we get excited about that have others shaking their heads and moving away ever so slowly . . .

I was in my car this afternoon - with my camera, but only the 18-55. Note to self - ALWAYS keep a zoom handy!! While waiting to make a turn, I saw a magnificent raptor glide into a tree not too far away. Fortunately my 13 yo daughter, who was with me, understands my obsession, and wouldn't let me drive away without getting a shot or two (or 20). Long story short, another raptor joined the first and both were perched in a tree not too far up. I could hardly contain myself! After a few preliminary shots (just to have something), I tried Loupey's technique - walking closer but not looking at them as if I didn't even know they were there. Turns out I was able to stand almost directly underneath them and shoot several shots before they flew away. Alas - the 'stupid' 18-55 didn't get me very close :mad2:

Anyway - if you are still here, this is a shot of each one - and I can't figure out what they are! I'm not used to IDing raptors. I don't usually get this close!

Both cropped a bit, and minimal PP.

[OBie]

PS - I had just been to the Apple store, where I finally bought Photoshop Elements, so as soon as I learn how to use it, I can fix things like the dark heads. I just wanted to get these posted.

Camera was set on auto, as I had my daughter get it ready to shoot for me. I was afraid I wouldn't have time to meter, etc. So - totally auto - sorry Loupey!

Feel free to edit.

[paulnj]

Those are red-shouldered hawks and you rock for getting that close.

[Copy_Kot]

Wow, you must have been able to get very close with that 18-55mm lens... good job!

[OBie]

Thanks Paul & Copy - my daughter wouldn't get out of the car to do it - she was certain they were 'attack hawks'! LOL. I couldn't believe that they let me stand right underneath the tree like that. Must be used to people.

And thanks for the ID. My National Audubon Field Guide had me stumped. Even looking at the Red Shouldered Hawk now, I wouldn't have guessed it. Markings in the book photo are really different. Could these be juveniles?

I'm hoping that these are either the same, or related to a pair that was nesting right next to our neighborhood pool last summer. Each morning during swim team practice they'd fly directly overhead with snakes, moles, etc. to feed the young. I didn't get any photos then - if there is a nest that close this year you can bet I'll be on the hunt with zoom in hand!

Here's an uncropped version showing both of them in the tree. The one on the left is harder to spot. But that's how close they were to each other, and the ground.

[Copy_Kot]

Juveniles have vertical brown and white lines in their breast feathers, adults have the orange bars on their breast feathers... just like in your images.

I have both the National Audubon Field Guide, and the Sibley Field Guide. IMO, the Sibley is a much better book for ID-ing birds. It has much more information when it comes to telling the differences between sexes and ages... The book is well worth the money

[paulnj]

Also remember that 3 subspecies are found in the US. This is an eastern species with the broadest range, but florida ones are lighter and california ones are on fire with red

[Copy_Kot]

LOL, I bought the Sibley guide because I knew CAMERA BIRD NERD #1 used it... and if CBN #1 used it... it had to be a good book

[Loupey]

Great job, OBie!

The important thing is that you got the shot :thumbsup: Sounds like an excellent assistant you have there.

Glad the don't-have-a-care-in-the-world technique worked for you