Our resident Hawk responded to my need

[HAB911]

for wildlife to test shoot today

As tests, the only post processing on these photos is brightness and cropping, not even noise reduction.

The first three are shot at 1600mm, next three at 800mm. Not sure any difference can be discerned on the net, but the 800mm is slightly sharper on my monitor. I also struggled to get back far enough to get the entire body in at 1600mm, partially the reason I have shied away from a large prime as opposed to a zoom. 1600mm has its place, just not in my yard.

[jls4561]

1. Handsome.

[SheltieLover]

2. Beautiful!

Ty for sharing with us!

[3catwoman3]

3. What a gorgeous bird.

You got some great shots.

[Deuxcents]

4. Whoa 😳 Even posing for you..beautiful pictures

[George McGovern]

5. I'd say your prime passed the test, big-time. Love the last one!

[dem4decades]

6. Nice photos and great description of your lens use.

Do you think that's a juvenile red shouldered hawk?

[HAB911]

7. that is what google images says

"The bird in the image is a Red-shouldered Hawk (Buteo lineatus), specifically the paler Florida subspecies"

[Probatim]

26. Sure looks like a Red-shouldered Hawk.

[dem4decades]

27. The ones around here look quite a bit different, that's why i was wondering.

[Probatim]

28. The banded tail is a good giveaway - plus it's not as bulky as its cousin, the Red-tailed Hawk.

Most of the RSHA I've seen have been in flight, so I don't usually see the red shoulder, but it's prominent in these photos.

The Broad-winged Hawk is also a cousin, but its tail bands are much wider.

I just got back from a week of birding in SW Texas - I had a great time with some great birders and feel like a "know-it-all" thanks to them.

[brer cat]

8. It looks like he was posing for you. Great shots.

[HAB911]

21. thank you

This time every year the young hawks in training, visit my yard and garden, and are as interested in me as I am in them, showing little fear, just curiosity.

[DarthDem]

9. Wowwwww

That is amazing. Fantastic photos—simply breathtaking. You and your equipment are fantastic! 👏

[niyad]

10. Looks like you had a very patient subject. The 4th and 6th images.!

6 looks like, "geez, how long do I have to stand here???"

[HAB911]

22. thanks!

This time every year the young hawks visit my yard and garden, and are as interested in me as I am in them, showing little fear, just curiosity.

[niyad]

23. That makes me smile!

[Skittles]

11. such a treat!

[littlemissmartypants]

12. Sublime. ❤️

[JMCKUSICK]

13. Absolutely lovely HAB911

[Grumpy Old Guy]

15. You can see how the breed got its name.

The red shoulder really stands out in these photos.

1600mm is a very long prime. Is that what you use for shooting aviation?

I wish all my avian subjects were this cooperative. Great shots!

[HAB911]

20. welcome back btw

aviation primarily what I got it for, explanation here: https://democraticunderground.com/1036162138

This time every year the young hawks, in what I call flight and hunt training, visit my yard and garden, and are as interested in me as I am in them, showing little fear, just curiosity.

[Grumpy Old Guy]

25. That is some amazing detail.

Looks like fun!

[Grins]

16. Feels so good when you get a GREAT shot of a magnificent bird!!

Congratulations

[orleans]

17. these pictures are simply wonderful! thanks for posting them nt

[2naSalit]

18. Beautiful!

And what good fortune to have such an amazing model to pose for you!

[CaliforniaPeggy]

19. Superb photos and thanks for sharing them, my dear HAB911!

The details and the clarity are nothing short of astonishing.

[Beringia]

24. Pretty Hawk