14 replies to this topic

[bforgy]

I am new to birding, but I have loved hawks for a long time. I had no idea they were so hard to tell apart! I have a few pictures I'd like help with, but I'll start with this one. I know the picture is pretty dark and grainy, but I just received a new camera and am still learning all it's capable of! I have yet to learn to take pictures of them flying! If they're not sitting still, I'm not likely to get a decent photo! I'm in awe of some of the photos I've seen on here so far and can't wait to add some great ones! Anyhow, I ramble! Thanks in advance if you can help me identify this hawk.

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[FarAwayEyes]

Even with the dark color of the main body of the bird the Red tail is clear in the photo so I will go with Red-tailed Hawk. Hope this helps and happy birding. Also welcome to Whatbird !

[bforgy]

Thank you for the ID and the welcome! I suspected red-tailed and believe this is also one??

[Sparky the Cuttlefish]

Second bird also looks like a Red-tailed Hawk - this one is a juvenile. Nice shot!

[bforgy]

Thank you! He posed in two different locations for me, so I managed to get some awesome close-ups. I also had used the new camera for a couple of more weeks by then

Went out yesterday to take pictures in the same location and learned even more of what I could snap with a simple little digital camera! And thrilled to find a place to share my excitement of birds! My facebook family and friends just don't get it!!

[FarAwayEyes]

Great photo ! I really enjoy seeing great shots of Red-tails. Looks like the person using the camera is adjusting to it also !

[bforgy]

It helps to have such an awesome subject to be learning with!! Thank you all so much for the warm welcomes and the ID!

[whatsinthesky]

Welcome aboard! Good shot on the juvenile! I like the red-tails also I'm pretty new to birding also and having the same issue with taking pictures of birds in flight--patience and practice.

[creeker]

Went out yesterday to take pictures in the same location and learned even more of what I could snap with a simple little digital camera! And thrilled to find a place to share my excitement of birds! My facebook family and friends just don't get it!!

I know! What's the matter with them? Don't worry though, we get it.

[dancingbear860]

Hawks are my favorite as well!!! Good shots there! Im not sure you where you are, but Osprey (aka Fish hawks) are also gret birds to practice flying shots on!! Sit by there nest and watch them all day, your bound to learn how to do it well!! Its working for me!!

[cabirds]

Welcome, and nice photos!

Watch their body language. You'll start to pick out tell-tale signs that they're about to take wing. Also how they take to wing. Some species rise up, then out, some fall down and then spread, some leap out in nearly a level line before spreading their wings. Some will fluff their wing feathers first (White-tailed Kites are a prime example of that).

Once you learn that, you can set the camera right where you want them to be, watch with your other eye, and know right when to drop the shutter on them.

I'm working on panning flight photography now. A bit smaller target than the aircraft I'm used to trying that on!

[bforgy]

Wow, Jodie! Can't wait to take photos like that! I'm guessing I'll have to upgrade to a better camera someday, though.

I love all the tips about getting good shots everyone! Just wish I didn't have to wait for weekends... ah well, the anticipation is part of the fun!

dancingbear... I'm learning patience and working on sitting still! Sometimes, though, I get so excited in seeing something that I totally forget to lift the camera and take the shot. My hubby did hook me up with a tripod, but I haven't had a chance to use it out in the field yet. Once he finds a good place to fish, I'll be able to set up and sit a spell! Can't wait.

[cabirds]

Thanks!

I didn't see what you're shooting - but it's so often about the photographer and not the camera.

The time in between the weekends is the time to read up and learn more so the weekends are more effective.

[dancingbear860]

This weekend, I had a WONDERFUL chance to shoot a WOOD DUCK (my favorite of ducks) and being SUPER excited and unprepaired, I was moving a lot and didnt have a tripod with me, I used a bridge to help me keep still. When shooting hawks or osprey I try hard to find a car, or tree to lean on for the moment, yesterday I couldnt find a tree so I just knelt to get more sturdy!! Good luck, I look forward to seeing more hawks!! and yes its more the person then the camera sometimes!!

[bforgy]

LOL to dancingbear! My luck exactly! Good thing I can remember what I was shooting at when I open the file and find it blurry

Jodie, not only are your pictures awesome, but I thoroughly enjoyed your whole site! I look forward to getting that good at taking pictures and have tried to do a little study on taking shots... some of the sites are a little more technical than I've been willing to go, but now that I've found this wonderful forum to brag to ( ) I'll start digging a little deeper into what the camera can do and how to make the most out of the lighting, etc! I've been concentrating on learning about birds and their habits and such and hoping for the lucky shot... guess I'll study photography so I'll actually "know" when I've got a lucky shot

PS... I tried to "like" all the replies but I've reached my limit for today... thanks again for the wonderful responses!!!