Friday, February 6, 2009

Close Encounter

I know I keep promising Eagle photos, but other cool things keep taking presidence with every day. Today brings an exciting event that happened yesterday morning.

I spied a kestral perched near a feeding station, obviously looking for a meal. As I took a few photos, it flushed as a large hawk declared seniority over the kingdom. Approaching with slick ninja moves, I cleared the cover I was under and became totally exposed, but the hawk only gave me the evil eye.



No matter what position I took and the crunchy snow gave way under my footsteps, it held it's perch, spying the vulnerable flock at the station.



It would wiggle it's tail, as it would focus on a possible victim.



I stayed for quite awhile, waiting for the unfortunate happening that never took place.



I left to let nature take it's coarse.



His gold eyeliner was a pleasant surprise in the detail captured.



The morning sun provided the perfect lighting at around 9 a.m.



It was one of those moments in photography, when you walk away shaking your head, not quite believing that you were so lucky to be so close, and leave without understanding that with most encounters, it lasts only a split second, and yet, on those uber-rare occasions, you hit the jackpot with a more-than-accomodating creature. It was a great day.

13 comments:

Shelley said...

These photos took my breath away - I love all the close ups you captured of his face - including the gold eyeliner! Wow!

Don and Sher said...

I am at a loss for words these images are spectacular. Excellent job
Don

Ruth's Photo Blog said...

I'd say it was your lucky day.Your photos are exceptional.
Blessings,Ruth

denapple said...

Oh wow! Wonderful shots of a bird confident of its place in the world - above everyone else! Why should it be concerned about a mere human photographer?

Stacey Olson said...

Very accomodating indeed,, great photos.. thanks for sharing...

John Theberge said...

Wow, great shots. I noticed your comment on Nick S.'s blog about your 100-400 not focusing well when it's cold. I have the same lens and I've been outside when it is below zero and have not had a problem with the auto focus.

Tina said...

Your photos are stunning!! Absolutely beautiful...those close ups are incredible..and I thought you rocked my world when you found and posted that barred owl closeup!! Wow,wow and wow..I'd say you had one h__ of a day!! What next??

Marsha said...

I'm speechless! The details are simply stunning and I am in awe! Wow!

Tim said...

Amazing images! I need to find my way to where you are hanging out.

The Birdlady said...

Those are stunning!

Owlman said...

Fantastic shots. There moments are definitely VERY rare and it's great to see how much you appreciated it. I had a similar session with a red shouldered hawk a week or so ago, although I was in a car so I couldn't get the shots I would have liked. It's still a great moment to have a raptor up close and personal like this.

jalynn01 said...

To have this opportunity and get in so close to a hawk is just absolutely AWESOME!! I loved all the pictures. Splendid job Hannibal!!!

Chris said...

Well I guess this moment are THE ones that made us proud of what we sometime witness as nature photographer... One of these precious moments during which the animal seems to trust you and gives you nice posture for a perfect picture... Trust we must believe in!!!