Hunting the Hunter

[Loupey]

After work yesterday evening I found a Red-Tailed Hawk who allowed me the honor of watching/photographing it hunt.

Prior to this, I've only seen one ground attach by a RT (a long way off) and several aerials by Coopers. This one last night launched 3 separate attacks as the sun was setting. I must say that the attacks were very vicious and I was very surprised that their talons and legs can withstand such forces. He landed with the sound of a good sized hardback book being dropped onto the floor. I realize now that their prey probably are killed by the force of these landings more so than by the piercing of the talons (my assumption at least).

The first three images are from attack #2. The last image was from the last attack. I was hoping that I'd get a shot of the dangling prey against that beautiful background. No luck for me or for the RT last night.

[Loupey]

Prior to him going into his "attack mode", he allowed me to get insanely close to get these portraits.

All are the same bird. All with the 300mm (the close ups with the 2x).

Thanks for looking.

[Copy_Kot]

Loupey, these are just amazing! I think maybe the best hawk images that you have posted.... wow!

[Knight]

As usual Loupey Great Captures!

[mjs1973]

Very nice Loupey!!

[big baldo]

Very cool shots! I especially like the one of him flying off. The lighting gives it a nice glow.:thumbsup:

[paulnj]

Nice images pal!!!!!

[Bevb]

These are awesom Loupey, what a series of images.
The last image on the left does it for me what an expression and the one flying off shows the tail feathers to look like a skirt!
Keep em coming!

[AmberC]

Very nice Loupey! I really like the "tail" shot (the last one in the first post) and the close up in the second set. :thumbsup:

[Copy_Kot]

I can't stop looking at these... When can I place my order for an autographed copy of the very last one??? I don't think you could have asked for better light, it's perfect!

[Loupey]

Thanks everyone for taking the time to look and comment.

It was an unexpected but thoroughly enjoyable treat to be able to watch the scenario play out. I'm glad you can see what I was after with that last fly-away image. A dead mouse dangling from the talons would have been icing on the cake!

Thanks again.

[terryger]

what a great series loupey, but i wouldn't expect any less from you!:thumbsup:

[OBie]

Stunning, as usual. The hawks must see you as a kindred spirit to be so tolerant.

[quetzal]

Those are absolutely gorgeous!