Darcy Johnson
November 2024 - Cooper's Catch
About the Image(s)
I believe this is a Coopers Hawk. They are primarily bird hunters and tend to hang around birdfeeders where songbirds gather in tempting numbers, especially when other food sources are scarce. The birds in my backyard are on to predators, especially raptors such as hawks. As such, this fellow settled on a vole. Hawks are fascinating to watch. This guy certainly knew I was there, yet it didn't deter him from making the catch.
This image was taken mid-morning. Basic processing in LR with a slight vignette and a horizontal flip. I debated back and forth about the crop - whether to leave in the sunflowers or to present a portrait. In the end, I felt that wild sunflower plants added to the surrounding environment making for a more interesting composition.
ISO 100, 170mm, f6.3, 1/320 sec.
5 comments posted
What a nice scene. I like your decision to leave the sunflower in, I think it gives the image a nice balance. My only suggestion is to lighten just a little bit the wood rail the hawk is on. I think it has some nice texture that may add just a little more interest.
Best regards,
Greg Posted: 11/10/2024 20:07:29
Greetings my friend.
The main subject with the filler of the sunflower surely brought the balance in the image. The base of the hawk is as original as it is, to keep the scene natural. I wonder if the Hawk is familiar with you and was not deterred from your presence. Nicely done and thank you for sharing.
Cheers.
Kamal. Posted: 11/19/2024 07:17:04
Beautiful bird portrait! I applaud your decision to leave the sunflower - it really adds to the interest.
I have to admit my first thought was that the light strip under the fence rail was distracting. So, I like Ingrid suggestion - although I don't think I would crop quite that much.
Beautiful capture!
Karen
P.S. As you can see, I finally have my new laptop in action - WITH all of my pictures uploaded! My apologies for missing this month. Posted: 11/20/2024 05:02:13