Raptors, and especially hawks, fascinate me. They soar majestically in the skies and sometimes nearer to the ground in their hunt for prey. I watch in awe as they alight in tree-tops or on the ground.
This photo of a Red-shouldered Hawk gives me mixed feelings. It and another one have started nesting on Dan Brown’s ranch near Christoval. I had photographed one of them earlier. In it, he is majestically resting on a tree branch staring intently at me as I took his photo. This image is the second one below, and a print of it is framed and hanging above Dan Brown’s mantel.
But I have a certain un-easiness with the first photograph. Indeed I am proud of the image, as it shows the hawk contemplating his dinner. But, ethically, I don’t really approve of the way I got the job done. You see, it was “staged”. Dan Brown wants the hawks to stay longer, so he has taken to feeding the hawks, by throwing meat out for it. In this photo, one of Dan’s help threw the snack so I get this great photograph.
I usually abstain from doing this, as I would rather get my pictures by catching these wild creatures doing things naturally. I wouldn’t take pictures of animals or birds in a zoo and use them for publication. But in this case, I was overwhelmed by the beauty of the bird. Of course, this is a wild bird, at least for now. I would hate to see it get too used to humans.
Contemplating Dinner
Red-shouldered Hawk
Enjoy the photos, and as usual, click on either image to see and enlargement.
Happy Birding!
Texas Tweeties by Bob Zeller 
An excellent photo is an excellent photo! And these are both excellent. But I can relate. It’s kind of like the way I feel about shooting in cutblocks.
Thanks a bunch, Cindy
Bob, both of those are excellent, the second one being, of course, a notch above the other. Dan should be proud to have your photo (I love his stories, if not his actual writing)
Thanks, Michael,
I like both of them, but I must say, that the 2nd one looks a lot more fiercer. 🙂 Thanks for visiting.
Bob
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Heck yeah, I don’t mind a bit. I will have a look at your post, of course. From what I have seen of your photography I doubt that you’ll have any trouble. But if I can offer any advice, I’ll be happy to do so. After all, there is a heck of a lot of birds out there that need to be photographed.
Bob
Hi Bob! I’m posting my first real attempt at photographing birds today. I wanted to offer a link to your blog if you don’t mind. I thought I should direct them to a place they could enjoy some real bird photography. Thanks.
Bob the pic could easily become one of my all time favorites. This is a totally outstanding. This guy looks like he is ready to have a converstion with you. (wonder what he would say)
Thanks, James,
Those are really kind words and I appreciate them.
Bob
Once again, great job! I am always so impressed with the shots that you are able to get, and the look on the hawk’s face staring back at you is priceless!
Thanks so much Holly, I really appreciate your comments.
Bob
Yes, that second shot is amazing! What a capture with him staring back at you. Both are great, though.