Excitement in the Sagebrush!

Gallery: AvianPosted December 22, 2013137 views7 comments

As I mentioned after my Roadrunner post, I had an incredible morning at Bosque del Apache on my second day! I was joyfully snapping away on the Gambel's Quail in my last post, and all of sudden, out of nowhere, comes this Cooper's hawk. The quail dove into the sagebrush, and lots of squeaking and squawking ensued as the covey scattered for cover. I couldn't see, but feared that one of the quail was going to be breakfast, and was even feeling a little guilty that if the watching quail hadn't been concerned about me, he might have been able to give more of a warning to his covey. After lots of scrambling around in the bushes, the hawk came right up to where the quail had originally been. I'm thinking --this is a photographer's dream! This happened TWO more times! This is the first time it came up from the ground, and the way it was holding its wings, I thought there may be a quail in its talons, but no quail! This was simply incredible...wish I could explain it better!

50D, 700mm, ISO 800, F11, 1/1000
LARGER version also available. Thanks for your comments and critiques...as always I appreciate them.

Comments

7 comments

Comment posted by Richard Ditch on December 22, 2013 at 11:35 AM

First rate in every way. You've had a very productive visit to Bosque del Apache.

The Coop's are ferocious as you describe, and we've seen them dive into the bushes in our yard chasing other birds many times. We scatter seed on the ground every day for the quail and the Mourning Doves, and at least half the time in winter a Coop will attack. We've never seen them take a Gambel's Quail, but they get a dove on many attempts. A couple weeks ago one of our Curve-billed Thrashers was the victim and we've felt guilty ever since.

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

Comment posted by Howard Cheek on December 22, 2013 at 12:18 PM

Very nice Sharon, I especially like the birds very unusual pose!
Love the intense look in the Cooper's eye, it sounds like I really wish I was there

Merry Christmas, looking forward to more exciting work in 2014

Registered on July 24, 2008, 1201 Posts, 10758 Comments

Comment posted by Dennis Plank on December 22, 2013 at 1:50 PM

Wonderful shot, Sharon. It sounds like you had a fantastic day. Gorgeous job on the focus and the eye really pops. The spread wing and tail just ooze action.

Registered on January 28, 2008, 1767 Posts, 23192 Comments

Comment posted by Mike Ramy on December 22, 2013 at 3:26 PM

Sounds like great action for you and the Hawk,
Well captured . . .

Registered on June 16, 2012, 567 Posts, 2809 Comments

Comment posted by Ken Archer on December 22, 2013 at 4:22 PM

Great capture of this handsome fellow Sharon

These guys are amazing to watch as they tear through the under brush going after their prey. I think this shot captures that agility beautifully.

Registered on October 28, 2004, 222 Posts, 6683 Comments

Comment posted by keith mitchell on December 23, 2013 at 2:36 PM

Sharon a great shot of this bird doing what it's good at,you really have nailed this one.

Keith.

Registered on July 12, 2008, 127 Posts, 1735 Comments

Comment posted by Kurt Bowman on December 23, 2013 at 11:34 PM

Love this Sharon! I also think you explained it very well and your excitement reads through on this shot. Very nicely done and congratulations on having such a great morning.

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