Tag Archives: Raptors

Bald Eagle Pair

November 10, 2016 Ellen Jennings Leave a comment

The sight of a Bald Eagle never fails to impress. Two together was a real treat. This pair sat watching and waiting for at least a half hour that I was fortunate enough to photograph.

Anticipating their moves with so little experience watching them make getting the coveted action shot tough. The size of the trees they perch in add to the difficulty.

The vocalizations of the bird on the right alerted us that something was about to happen.

Then it was over–they had rearranged themselves in the same tree. A scratch, then they settled back to sitting and watching.

When the first one finally flew off I lost sight of him quickly behind the trees. I returned my focus to the second Eagle, hoping he would follow in the same path and I might get a shot. After waiting about 15 minutes with no movement we moved on.

He took off shortly after, a few powerful strokes and he was out of sight across the marsh.

Click on any image for a larger view.

Birds, South Carolina

Cooper’s Hawk

October 28, 2016 Ellen Jennings 2 Comments

On the ferry ride to Bulls Island we were told that the eleven of us on the boat would be the only humans on the island, at least until they returned with a second group at noon. The public dock was damaged by Hurricane Matthew and the private service dock wasn’t open to other users.

It was very quiet as I watched this Cooper’s Hawk for several minutes after two of my companions walked right underneath him not glancing up.

He looked right at me as I became aware of noise, sounding like a crowd of people approaching. How could that be? The Hawk remained unfazed as 50 or 60 teenagers and a few chaperones came charging along the path, some quieting and interested in having a look when I pointed him out and some just intent on getting to the beach. I never did find out how they got to the island.

The Hawk moved about 10 feet to an adjacent tree and watched as the group turned the corner and disappeared. I had to move on as the mosquito crowd grew.

Bulls Island, Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge, Awendaw, SC.

Click on any image for larger view.

Birds, Connecticut

Sharp-shinned Hawk

April 3, 2016 Ellen Jennings 2 Comments

Caught this hawk watching over our backyard bird feeders. The small birds were aware and safely hidden.

Birds, South Carolina

Marsh Variety

February 12, 2016 Ellen Jennings Leave a comment

On a return trip to the Audubon Garden at Magnolia Plantation I was able to focus more on the non-heron activity. Their nesting activity was still amazing to watch, but these birds also caught my eye.

A number of Blue-winged Teals were zipping about, mostly ignoring the Red-Shouldered Hawks watching from the trees.

This Ruby-crowned Kinglet was one of a variety of elusive small birds darting through the thick underbrush.

On this visit the only Woodpecker I saw was this Red-bellied, nicely offset by the Spanish Moss.

Birds, South Carolina

Peregrine Falcon

January 25, 2016 Ellen Jennings 1 Comment

Another set of photos from a flying demonstration at The Center for Birds of Prey, Awendaw, SC. I got some practice shooting a very fast bird with dismal results. The bird was perched on his handler’s gloved hand in the photo above.

This shot is of the bird working to gain altitude; he was moving pretty fast, but nothing like when he dove.

This is after it was over, the falcon safely on the ground with his “catch” that had been swung by his handler. He was keenly aware of the vultures circling overhead, wondering if he had something to share.

Another shot after the falcon returned to the handler. The wire is from a radio transmitter, not a tether to the handler.

Birds, South Carolina

Red-tailed Hawk

January 22, 2016 Ellen Jennings 1 Comment

These photos are from a flying demonstration at The Center for Birds of Prey, Awendaw, SC. The wire from the bird’s back in the photo above is from a radio transmitter that will help the staff locate the bird should he take an “unauthorized” trip.

531A2727 — Front view, the bird landed behind me to pick up a lost piece of his meal.

The yellow pigmentation in the beak and feet is exaggerated due to the bird’s diet which is somewhat different than it would be in the wild.

It was great to see the bird close up, but nothing matches seeing him in flight, his red tail in full view.

Birds, Nature, Wildlife

Raptors

June 5, 2015 Ellen Jennings Leave a comment

In early May I had the opportunity to photograph a group of raptors that are cared for by Horizon Wings Raptor Rehabilitation and Education. These particular birds are not candidates for release due to the nature of their injuries.

Click any photo to enlarge or see slide show.

It was a beautiful spring day and we were able to take advantage of the blossoming trees as backgrounds.