I’m finally sharing one of my favourite goshawk images, the second of these two, that I haven’t been game to share until now.
1/800, f/6.3, ISO 1600
Canon 5DSR, Canon 200-400L IS USM EXT
This magnificent goshawk was nurtured back to health by a fabulous wildlife carer (see lirralirra.com/goshawk-portrait). She, definitely a female, landed in a nearby she-oak to get her bearings.
1/800, f/6.3, ISO 1600
Canon 5DSR, Canon 200-400L IS USM EXT
I really like the image above but haven’t shared it before as it looks as though it was me that startled her – it wasn’t. As I was quietly watching her and occasionally clicking the shutter button she suddenly spread her wings and tail feathers in alarm, showing the beautiful details of her underwings and tail. She looks so strong in this shot, a truly formidable predator.
Mmm, I’d planned to explain what happened but now I think I’ll leave that until next week. Is anyone game to guess what may have startled her?
Happy birding, Kim
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So amazing to see all the detail on the feathers. Very beautiful and keen to know what spooked it!
It wasn’t me!
I’m thinking it’s a motor bike or some noisy truck.
Hmmm, I wonder…
What an an amazing creature Kim – and exceptional photographs…
Heaps of thanks Fiona.
Just love your photos of the Brown Goshawk. My wild guess at the instigator of the sudden flight is a crow. It has happened several times with me before but never with a Brown Goshawk.
Thank you Marj. You’ve made me wonder which birds you’ve seen disturbed by crows…
Truly amazing photographs. Does the second one meet competition criteria? I love it and I think it was startled by a goat!!
I wondered that myself about competitions. I’m not sure whether the background would be considered a bit busy or whether it’d make it a great environmental shot – I think it would depend on the judges. More importantly, I’m glad you like it, thank you.
What stunning shots of this magnificent bird. I am not guessing what spooked her, but looking forward to learning more.
She is super stunning EC, a truly magnificent bird. I was so lucky to spend some time watching her.
We have to wait until next week, Kim?! Oh, dear! I don’t know if I can wait that long.
First of all…what stunning shots of such a beautiful bird and I wouldn’t in a heartbeat ever think that you had startled it. There must have been something that was between your camera and the bird that had caused this. Another bird of prey or a feed that it had spotted that went wrong for it to end up with a carer. So glad that she is now better. I must say, you are very good with riddles, Kim. Lol xx
You made me laugh Margaret, thank you. I like your thinking here, very interesting. Not long now and I’ll share the answer xo