As I was walking along one of the trails last week at Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge, I glanced to the side and spotted this Red-shouldered Hawk (Buteo lineatus) perched at eye level on a tree that was really close. There was a lot of vegetation between us, but I managed to get this shot that did not have to be cropped at all.
Initially I did not think that I would be able to capture a usable image, because there was no way that I could get an unobstructed shot. I crouched down a bit and managed to find a kind of visual tunnel that provided a clear view of the head. The out-of-focus branches are a little distracting, but they provide the viewer with a sense that they are peering into the world of the hidden hawk.
© Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved.
I really like this tunnel effect, Michael, it lends a dreamy quality and you’re right, there’s an intimacy with the hawk here.
Thanks, Jet. I appreciate the confirmation about what I was feeling about the photo.
He’s BEAUTIFUL !
Stunning! I still remember the day when I saw a large hawk perched on our light pole right outside our house. Its wings were spread out and it was just amazing.
It’s rare that we get a good look at a hawk, but when we do, it’s pretty memorable.
Indeed it is!
Maybe hidden, but not from Mike.
I try to keep my eyes really active and somehow I detected an anomaly. I often will try to look through vegetation to see if I can find anything interesting.
Gorgeous shot of a beautiful bird. I really like the composition. In addition to what you describe – the idea of looking through the foliage to spy the bird – I like the texture of the soft focus background and the way that complements the texture of the bird’s feathers.
Thanks, Laura. The colors also all seem to work well together. It’s a little unconventional, but I like the shot a lot.
Conventions are for breaking.
Mysterious
I love the peering through the foliage idea
Beautiful shot
Nice Mike! Always fun to see and photograph a hawk!
Thanks, Reed. It is particularly fun when I have a chance to see one at close to eye level. Usually I am looking upward at a sharp angle.
Amazing!