Red Tailed Hawk, Unobstructed View

Some days, you just get lucky.


While on a sunday drive in the Valley of Fire, Nevada State Park, I drove past this guy and did the rubber neck thing. (I almost drove off the road!) I did the quick lens change to the 400mm f/5.6 L and flipped a big U. (Good thing no one else was on the road!)

A couple shots out the window and he didn't seem disturbed. I carefully stepped out of the car and got a few more shots before he flew. BUT He just flew across the canyon. His buddy was on the other side! A couple more shots at long range before they both flew.

Oh, I wish I hadn't flubbed the flight shots, but I guess you can't have everything.

It looks like Red Tailed hawks to me. Can anyone give me a better ID?

8 shot Gallery here:
http://www.pbase.com/citylights/raptor

and I think this is the best one:
1/800s f/8.0 at 400.0mm iso200

Can't think of what else they could be. Very nice shots - very spontaneous and substantial images. Thanks for sharing.

Very impressive shots. It looks like it was putting on a real show for you.

Great job.....by the way....would that be considered aggressive driving :-)

Hey Citylights,

I love the Valley of Fire. It is a 'must hit' for us every year when we head out to Vegas. Great photographs..all of them.

James