The hawk was moving really fast when it apparently spotted a perch that it liked. In an amazingly short distance, the hawk was able to slow down and really stuck the landing. If I were a judge, though, I would have to deduct some points for the break in his form as he slowed down—it certainly did not look very elegant.
For most of these shots of the hawk, which I think is a Red-shouldered Hawk (Buteo lineatus), I was shooting at a higher ISO than I prefer in order to keep the shutter speed high. The results are a little grainy, particularly because I had to a fairly substantial crop, given that I was shooting across a small pond and the tree on which the hawk was perched was pretty far away. In the final shot, when the hawk was stationary, I was able to lower the ISO and there is a bit more fine detail.
Full speed ahead
Trying to slow down
Sticking the landing I
Sticking the landing II
Adjusting the position
Surveying the area
© Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved.
Mike Powell 
And there he sat, waiting for a meal to wander by.
Great job of catching this series!
Nicely done, you and the hawk.
Great catch.
Terrific photos, Michael, and always a thrill to watch. I like the photo with the hawk:s mouth open, calling–not an easy capture.
Thanks so much, Jet. I love it when I can manage to get a series of shots that tell a story. I am fascinated by flying birds and often try to photograph them even when I know they are too far away. I took quite a few shots of that hawk–in most of them the shadows of its wings blocked its face, but I was thrilled when I was able to get the shot in which the hawk is calling/screaming.
Amazing action shots, love the series.
That hawk scream is special – brings back many memories.