I was out with my shorter lens when this Red-shouldered Hawk flew into a tree ahead of me in a local park. Like me, he had places to go and quickly moved on.
February 11, 2022
Red-shouldered Hawk
Tag Archives: Raptors
Bald Eagle, Flying For Lunch
At the end of November I witnessed similar action in nearly the same spot that I photographed Bald Eagle, Flying For Breakfast at the end of October. This time I was a little closer to the action.
The Eagle made a quick drop and snatched a small dead fish that had been floating on the water.
Up and away…
He flew past the bare cross dike with a bit of fall color highlighting the background, and disappeared into the woods.
Donnelley Wildlife Management Area, SC
November 29, 2021
Barred Owl, Portrait
A Barred Owl from last fall’s Photography Day.
The Center for Birds of Prey, Awenda, SC.
Photography Day, October 10, 2021
Sitting Tight: Red-shouldered Hawk
This Red-shouldered Hawk was enjoying the early morning sun high over a swamp.
Surprisingly he did not take flight as I got closer.
And closer.
I had a pretty good angle, and would have enjoyed a “take off” shot.
But he wasn’t moved, even as I walked under him.
I continued on my way, and yes he stayed right there.
Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, Charleston, SC
October 18, 2021
Black Vulture Pair, Lounging
Two Black Vultures were hanging around on the ground at the end of the dike along the big pond at Donnelley Wildlife Management Area on Saturday. They were oddly indifferent to human presence, just flying up into an oak tree as I got closer.
It had been a cold morning, just down to freezing, and they both seemed content in the sun as the day warmed up.
This one actually hunkered down on a branch, as if to stay awhile.
Donnelley Wildlife Management Area, SC
November 27, 2021
Crested Caracara, Profile Shots, White Background
This Crested Caracara was incredibly photogenic and despite the low-light day we were having I got some amazing closeup images, some with a Green Background and these with a white/grey sky background.
There’s not much I can say about them, other than this is a gorgeous bird.
Looking a little sassy!
And curious…
The Center for Birds of Prey, Awenda, SC.
Photography Day, October 10, 2021
Bald Eagle, Flying For Breakfast
The Bald Eagle, Flying By made a U-turn over the pond, then dropped down scaring off a Great Egret.
He was some distance from me and these aren’t sharp images, but you get the idea of the action that started feet first:
Hardly making a splash in the water.
Got a fish!
Then back to his tree to eat.
Donnelley Wildlife Management Area, SC
October 29, 2021
Bald Eagle, Flying By
Fall is a good time to keep a half an eye out for Bald Eagles at the Wildlife Management Areas as they return from their summer digs. I was happy to spot this one flying over a pond.
He flew up into a favorite tree and sat, watching as I wondered if he’d already had breakfast.
After a bit he flew by me again, going the other way.
You’ll see a far off answer about breakfast in my next post.
Donnelley Wildlife Management Area, SC
October 29, 2021
Crested Caracara, Mating Display, Closer Up
I was able to capture another series of the Crested Caracara mating display much closer up.
The expanded speckled white neck adds to his appeal during mating season.
He was quite striking even when holding still.
This view also shows off the Caracara’s powerful beak.
They easily feed on about any animal, either captured alive or found dead.
The Center for Birds of Prey, Awenda, SC.
Photography Day, October 10, 2021
Barn Owl, Classic Poses
This gorgeous Barn Owl is one of the raptor ambassadors at the Center for Birds of Prey.
Showing off his flexible neck, and how owls have to turn their heads to see to the side.
Face front where you can see the full facial disk. These feathers help collect sound, aiding the owl’s hunting prowess.
The Center for Birds of Prey, Awenda, SC
Photography Day, October 10, 2021