Redtail

Great light, super BG, and the bird looks sharp. The only thing that did not come together for you here is the angle of the bird. So much nicer when they are coming at you with a good look at the eye. As a flight shot you did very well. Hopefully next time the bird will cooperate and fly toward you. Technically well done.

You really got a good look and detail in the wing and in the tail. Enough eye in the shot to be engaging. I like the distant background. Some nice habitat, but not interfering with the bird's image. Keep on working on them.

I would have to agree with Ron B comments as I am also learning and practicing hawk flight images. I have many where the hawk turned away from me and fewer with them coming towards me. What I started to do last week since they were turning away from me was positioned myself next to a tree and not in the open and I was able to get much more head on views but then the next challenges come into play, acquiring focus, keeping the focus and getting a sharp detailed flight shot. However it appears you have the hardest part of this worked out, finding a spot where you can even get these types of images.

Thanks everyone for your comments. Yes, it is difficult to get them flying towards me, or even broadside. Thanks Jim for your advice. Sounds like you're dealing with the same thing. I will give this a try.

Nice specs and detail. Love the silhouette of the mountains behind.
Sacramento NWR is terrific, isn't it? try Merced NWR too - FULL of cranes and geese for another monthor two.
Sandy

Thanks Sandy. Those mountains in back are the Sutter Buttes, and I am sure you know them. Sacramento NWR is like a trip to Avian Disneyland every time I visit. I would imagine Merced is similar, and I will try to get down there sometime.