Monday, March 29, 2010

Cooper's Hawk

I found this raptor while following a few wood ducks around a creek. Stealthily on my way in pursuit of a couple, this guy comes soaring in low into the woods, squawking up a storm. I froze in my tracks. I didn't see him land, but I knew he was just feet from me. I find him with his back to me eating on something freshly caught. I got the best angle I could and snapped off a few. It was obvious I was disturbing his lunch, so he chose another perch. Well, he chose unwisely, because visually, it was a much better perch for the photographer, so I snuck over to that one and snapped off a few more. He wasn't nearly as tolerant, moved again to a close branch, and finished his lunch. What was on the menu, I don't know...But, he was pretty cooperative I must say!







8 comments:

Unknown said...

Beautiful! I love the raptors.

Montanagirl said...

Wow - great series. I hope it was mouse!

Tina said...

Neat capture, Hannibal! It's not easy zooming in on a raptor's kill and getting it on camera. A busy bird..that last shot looks like he just discovered you looking at him!!

Ruth's Photo Blog said...

Super excellent shots.Sometimes the birds will do just the right thing,but most often all I see is their back side.
Blessings,Ruth

Chris said...

What a breathtaking set!! Wow truly amazing that he stands eating like this while you are taking pictures... These are wonderful pictures! and he was so cute!

Brad Myers said...

Great captures, and a beautiful bird. Did you capture some video also with the new camera? I am trying to remember I have a second DSLR with me at times to get video but at times the stills are all that come to mind.

Willard said...

A beautiful series!

Eve said...

Just beautiful. You sure do know how to get them!!!