Neighborhood Goshawk

pendennis · Jul 9, 2019

We have a pair of nesting goshawks in our neighborhood. They really do a good job on mice, etc.

This morning I had an errand to run, and as I opened the car door, I noticed this one on the arm of our power pole. I grabbed my D750 and the 200-500 f/5.6, turned on VR and took a number of shots of him on the arm. He then swooped down to our fence, so I edged over, and got within twelve feet of him. I ran off around 12 exposures, and liked this one best. The only editing was to crop the image. This one was @ 1/160 f/11 and ISO 400. Enjoy!

Jeff G · Jul 9, 2019

Nice shot, it's always good when your model is cooperative.

Flying Panda · Jul 9, 2019

Wow! Awesome shot Dennis. :icon_salut:

I find sometimes, in wildlife photography, that it is the spontaneous spur-of-the-moment captures that turn out the most impressive.

K9Kirk · Jul 10, 2019

Now that's a good close up! Did you crop out some of his talons or just zoom a little too much?

zombiesniper · Jul 10, 2019

Great shot.

Always nice when they come to see you.

pendennis · Jul 10, 2019

K9Kirk said:
Now that's a good close up! Did you crop out some of his talons or just zoom a little too much?

I was only around 12 feet away, and the 200-500 was racked in to 200. I didn't want to move, and frighten the bird, so I insured that no heads were removed. I only had about a foot between the back of the house and me.

Jeff15 · Jul 10, 2019

And a very nice creature he is.....................

Dean_Gretsch · Jul 10, 2019

Now that's a cooperative bird! Wish they all were

Scott Whaley · Jul 10, 2019

I was driving down the road today out in the country when a large barn owl flew straight at my vehicle. I was going about 45 mph and did not have time to grab my camera. What a bummer!

K9Kirk · Jul 10, 2019

I wonder what's with the rope around his leg. Anyone's guess I imagine.

pendennis · Jul 10, 2019

K9Kirk said:
I wonder what's with the rope around his leg. Anyone's guess I imagine.

My son studies raptors. According to him, you can own one, but it has to be banded by the wildlife people and you have to be able to prove that you have permission to own. I magnified the left leg in Adobe, and couldn't detect a band, only the tattered remains of the tether.