Red-shouldered Hawks around Magnolia Plantation and Gardens are pretty tolerant of people passing by.
With human foot traffic mostly limited to paths due to the various ponds and swamps the raptors have a lot of space that is just theirs.
This one took off over a swamp with a “I’m traveling” flap of his wings, not “I’m going for prey” dive giving me a nice level view.
The best thing about winter is leaf-less limbs, that often can be in the image without obscuring a passing bird.
Congrats on those sharp flight shots, Ellen! The wing-down photo is excellent showing off their gorgeous coloring and feather patterns. 🤗
Thanks, I was pretty pleased with these, Donna. It’s amazing how sometimes you get the best images when you least expect it! We are fortunate that these hawks around Magnolia Plantation are quite tolerant of humans.
Wonderful detail in these shots! I really like the “I’m travelling” shots 😊.
Thanks, Belinda, it was neat to see fly rather slow and in a straight line!