Previously, I posted a Creative Imagery post featuring a Cooper’s Hawk flying away. I realized I never posted the photos here of the Hawk itself.

The nest was in the tree and Momma Hawk had 3 babies. She led them around the yard for flying lessons and such and when Momma was out of sight, they screamed long enough to grab the camera. The sounds became a familiar tune for a couple of weeks.

Here are a few photos of one perched on an oak tree branch shot with the R800mm on the Canon R6. I am not sure how to get the ‘click’ working on this site to make the photo larger. I have tried and to no avail. I think it is the ‘lightbox’ but still, not working.

Below, are two photos of one of them sitting on the pony wall in the driveway. After a short while it flew away and caught the ‘blur’ for a creative imagery post. You can click here to see that if you wish: Creative Imagery – August 9, 2023 Post

These guys are long gone now but, the nest is still there, and it is a huge one. It is probably about 3 feet in diameter. Unfortunately, somehow, we have to take it down. We have critters here in the bodies of rodents that take over and me no likey those smelly little critters.

I am happy how the photos turned out being handheld. I did balance the camera on the railing for a few shots, but the photos held up and so did my arm. I am purposely working without a tripod lately. I spoiled myself with shooting macros using one and I do enjoy the Zen of working with the tripod and, sometimes, one cannot get away with that for the perfect sharpness. But without one I find myself just grabbing and running for the subject. It’s so much easier and less cumbersome and reminds me of the get up and go days. The lens shake addition to the new cameras and lenses are really great for those moments also so that is a plus. Working in Manual also makes things a bit faster with lenses that are not L- (luxury). The 800mm is not one of those and there is a difference on speed with AF because of the lens motor. But again, the luxury of autofocus is great too. Its whatever hits my fancy.

Hope you enjoyed seeing these guys. They really were a wonder to the yard and for me to watch.

Til next time…

Kathleen Jennette