Judy's Photoblog
Unknown variety of Hawk
Posted by Judy (Brooksville, Florida, United States) on 3 August 2009 in Animal & Insect and Portfolio.
This young hawk, which might be an immature red-shouldered variety, landed on the feeder about 35-feet from my computer chair. This was taken across the room, through the window, across the porch, through screening and hand-held, so is not a high-quality photograph, but it was an amazing sight.
PS: Thanks to Jeff's comment (below), we now think 'our' friend is a Sharp-shinned Hawk. A wonderful comparison of the Sharp-shinned and the Cooper's Hawks is here.
Thank you so much for visiting my blog; your comments are greatly appreciated. I apologize for not getting to all of your posts. I will visit as time permits.
---~--- Philippians 4:13 'We can do all things through Christ who strengthens us.' ... <*}}}><
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Marion from Nanaimo, BC, Canada
it looks like an osprey, but then I am no expert on birds. What a thrill to have one land that close and given the distance and the fact it was taken through a screen it is an amazing shot.
3 Aug 2009 5:36am
@Marion: Thanks, Marion. I'm no expert on birds either, but I don't believe it is an osprey (look here).
Mike was thrilled to see his handmade bird feeder be a roost for this handsome bird.
Marie-Hélène Ammor from Casablanca/Paris, Morocco
This composition with all his attitudes is very beautiful !
3 Aug 2009 9:01am
@Marie-Hélène Ammor: Thanks, Marie.
tyan from Singapore, Singapore
like the collage-presentation,i think this looks really impressive for a through screen,handheld shot!:)
3 Aug 2009 9:31am
@tyan: It was such a thrill to spot him/her ... it's a wonder I could hold the camera still enough for a shot.
Jeff from Pembroke Dock, Wales., United Kingdom
Not sure but it could be a Sharp Shinned Hawk,great capture Judy...Wish it was mine.
3 Aug 2009 10:33am
@Jeff: Thanks, Jeff, and you just might be correct. I found this shot of one.
Barbara from Florida, United States
Outstanding! He appears to have a camouflaged appearance matching the wood. I would say this is an incredible capture considering all of the obstacles you shot through.
It is an amazing capture.
3 Aug 2009 11:23am
@Barbara: Thanks, Barb ... it was an amazing sight even if the photos aren't wonderful.
Lorraine from Gatineau, Canada
So wild and superb, oh you have to seize the moment, which you did exceptionally well Judy, bravo :0
3 Aug 2009 11:39am
@Lorraine: Thanks, Lorraine, and thanks to Mike for spotting him!
Laurie from New Jersey, United States
Wow what a surprising sight that must have been for you. Nice shot especially through the window.
3 Aug 2009 1:19pm
@Laurie: Thanks ... window, screening and distance, which were all challenges.
Claudia from Illinois, United States
What a wonderful capture of a magnificent creature! The other day, a huge red-tail hawk landed on my fence just outside my window but I was unable to get a photo.
3 Aug 2009 2:37pm
@Claudia: Thank you, Claudia; sorry you couldn't snag a photo of yours.
Viewfinder from Bradenton, FL, United States
Looks like it could be a sharp-shinned, but may still be an immature version of more common types. Def. not an osprey as was suggested upthread. Nice, nice photos, Judy.
3 Aug 2009 7:44pm
@Viewfinder: Thank you, Glenn ... whatever s/he was, it was an awesome sight!
@Chris: Thanks, Chris.
Tracey from Maryland, United States
What a privilege to see such a magnificent bird! Thanks for sharing!
3 Aug 2009 9:31pm
@Tracey: Thank you and you're right; it was a privilege to see it.
Susan from Fort Lauderdale, FL, United States
What a catch !!! How cool that you saw this in your own yard!!! Jealousy here is turning me green !!
4 Aug 2009 12:13am
@Susan: *Smile* ... you have the ocean and I get a bird!
Lambspun from Madison, Maine, United States
Very, very cool hawk! What an awesome capture. I bet you scrambled for your camera when you saw that sitting right in front of you :) I hope Tammy is OK....very terrifying for them all. Keep us updated...
4 Aug 2009 1:28am
@Lambspun: Yes, I surely did scramble...and Tammy is back at home, which is very good news.
Gary Hart from California, United States
Yikes--I think I'd be keeping the cats inside. :)
4 Aug 2009 6:15pm
Magda from Vancouver, Canada
Fabulous capture! We have a variety of hawks visit our feeders regularly but they are almost impossible to photograph. Too shy and quick for my camera ;)
But, those moments are always incredible and we all get very excited. (Just like you) ;) Awesome shots taking all the obstacles into consideration.
6 Aug 2009 3:52pm
@Magda: Thanks, Magda, I just couldn't let the opportunity go, even with those "obstacles".
