Rough-legged Hawk

Gallery: AvianPosted February 8, 2013736 views14 comments

I think I saw more Rough-legged Hawks in my 4 days in Utah this January than I had in my life up to that point. It was a treat getting to see and shoot these beautiful raptors. I appreciate your critiques and comments. Please view the larger version if possible.

f/8, 1/1250, ISO 400

Crop to 70% of original (12.6 of 18MP)

Canon 7D, 500mm, noodle on the window of Ron D's pickup.

Comments

14 comments

Comment posted by Hans Overduin on February 8, 2013 at 4:11 PM

Excellent shot Brian. Nice compo and the head turn makes the image for me. Is this what would be called a RoughLegged Buzzard over here ? Cheers, Hans

Registered on August 31, 2011, 491 Posts, 3807 Comments

Comment posted by Jerry Austin on February 8, 2013 at 4:14 PM

Wow! Really nice. Very sharp and I love the clean background. My only nit, and it is a very small one, are the
branches under the tail. Wish they weren't there, but a spectacular image regardless.

Registered on January 6, 2012, 651 Posts, 3448 Comments

Comment posted by Bill Marsh on February 8, 2013 at 4:21 PM

Good shot brian. I like the position of the bird. The large version is very sharp showing good detail and texture of the feathers. Good contrast with the plain bg.

Registered on December 29, 2012, 21 Posts, 225 Comments

Comment posted by Philip Hodgkins on February 8, 2013 at 4:25 PM

Lovely work, Brian! Both the composition and processing are top drawer!

Registered on July 24, 2006, 2741 Posts, 12349 Comments

Comment posted by Neil Rossmiller on February 8, 2013 at 6:25 PM

This is terrific, Brian.
It looks like the inversion was in place and you were gifted with studio quality soft light. It really envelops the RLH and brings out all that wonderful detail. Everything is spot on for me.
Top Notch work!
Neil

Registered on October 30, 2009, 156 Posts, 749 Comments

Comment posted by Richard Ditch on February 8, 2013 at 7:32 PM

Terrific as posted. I've never been within photo range of this species and am quite jealous.

Hans - yes. The same as your RoughLegged Buzzard (European buzzard = US buteo). Buteo lagopus on both sides of the Atlantic.

Registered on November 1, 2003, 1031 Posts, 12705 Comments

Comment posted by Charlie VanTassel on February 9, 2013 at 12:38 AM

Beautiful, Brian. How come I wasn't there too?

Registered on October 18, 2006, 644 Posts, 4801 Comments

Comment posted by Rob Drummond on February 9, 2013 at 6:23 AM

Superb detail in the larger image Brian - great looking bird, love the pale eye

Registered on November 8, 2003, 617 Posts, 8267 Comments

Comment posted by May Haga on February 9, 2013 at 3:34 PM

Wonderful capture Brian.
May

Registered on February 22, 2007, 714 Posts, 8470 Comments

Comment posted by Charles Gangas on February 9, 2013 at 4:23 PM

Wonderful detail, nice head turn, and an excellent job exposing the bird. Very simple and pleasing comp Brian, nicely captured.

Registered on August 12, 2009, 544 Posts, 2414 Comments

Comment posted by Patrick O'Healy on February 9, 2013 at 6:17 PM

Brian,
Wonderful shot. It almost seems like a promo shot for his CV. Like it a lot!

Registered on March 13, 2011, 326 Posts, 1679 Comments

Comment posted by Kurt Bowman on February 9, 2013 at 10:22 PM

Very nicely done Brian. Really a terrific bit of processing work as well.

Registered on June 19, 2008, 1005 Posts, 8028 Comments

Comment posted by Robert Bunch on February 10, 2013 at 1:42 PM

Very handsome bird and nice light and pose. I have never seen a roughlegged hawk. Wish this one was in my portfolio.

Registered on May 18, 2004, 124 Posts, 2503 Comments

Comment posted by Jim Hackley on February 11, 2013 at 3:17 PM

What a wonderful look and excellent feather detail in the larger version. I like everything about this one, way to go Brian.

Registered on September 17, 2009, 302 Posts, 5535 Comments