Norfolk Botanical Garden Eagles

I didn't think I actually pushed the shutter button when this Hawk took flight but I guess I do it without knowing.

The usual Hawk near the fountain and I guess I stirred up a Vole as I was standing there photographing it because all of a sudden it launched from the branch and came right at me landing within 15' of me. All the while I'm fumbling with my camera trying to take my extender off because it was too close to me..needless to say I missed the shots of it on the ground but hopefully Mike managed some because I saw him clicking away.

I really hope he got a picture of me messing with my camera.

I see you....



I'm coming for you....



I think Duane is starting to panic....

LOL

Beautiful shots Duane.
ROTFLMAO @ you. I can imagine all of that - but ..........I hope Mike has pictures too

you werent' wearing squirrel skin cap were you ?

Those are great!

Very nice shots!

DO NOT give me any more childish ideas. It's bad enough when I said last year I was going to wear a fishy hat when photographing the Eagles. The next thing you know I will be carrying around a Mouse or Rat in my pocket when I run into this Hawk.

The thought has definately crossed my mind though but deep down I feel this is cheating and not natural to get pictures of Raptors hunting.

I'm staring to think this Hawks tolerates humans because as we walk around the Gardens we may stir up some unsuspecting rodent for a quick and easy meal.....and I feel I somehow helped this Hawk catch this meal in question yesterday morning.

Just in case anyone didn't see Mike's shots *click here*

You know Duane that we have all suspected what this RTH already knows... You carry snacks for him. That is why he is always around you... Poor little mole all warm and toasty in your pocket dragged out into the cold cruel world to satisfy the cravings of a RTH... or photographer

One would think this is the case Dana...I like to think it knows a Red-tailed Hawk is what got me into Avian photography and it paying me back for all the frustration I had trying to get a decent capture of one at the start of my hobby.

Yeah...or it likes my personality.

Mike bascially drug me over there away from the female Eagle perched on a branch...it's all his fault.

Really sweet captures of the "before" action .... I'm glad Mike was there to share the "after"..now we need the picture of Duane fumbling the shot

I so wished Mike had snapped some pictures of me....It would have been classic. Funny thing is Mike was leaving as the Hawk took flight (or swoop) so if he didn't I think he may have been too close as well...I forgot where he was standing right before he decided to leave to go to Home Depot.

Here's another one that I didn't process...it's a tad out of focus but I like the pano crop to this image....I was surprised I got the wing tips in the frame.

Duane put up such a rukus dragging him over to the Hawk!!!! he gets his cast off just before XMAS

Awesome shot Duane!!
The good thing is in a couple months this one will probably be bringing the family for snacks.... better get deeper pockets

that last one is REALLY cool with the full wing spread & the look of concentration on his face. . . even if it is a tad OOF

Incredible set of pictures Duane!! Glad it all worked out!!!