Red-Tailed Hawk - Nest Watch

PrescottPhotog

Hi Everyone,

Well a couple weeks sure went by fast. I went to Phoenix last Wednesday to Saturday to shoot the NASCAR races at Phoenix Int. Raceway, what a RUSH !! shooting next to the big guys (SI, Direct TV, all Phoenix and World TV stations).. it was awesome.

I posted some shots on the Sports forum if you like racing or here is a link to my Gallery that covers the opening ceremonies, fly-overs, qualifications, pits, garage and races.

http://crd.smugmug.com/NASCAR

It was a fantastic opportunity and a LOT of work and HOT !!!. My hats off to all the Sports Shooters out there. But, I also want to say that after shooting action BIF's for all these years hitting a race car, even doing 150 mph a little over 5 feet from you is almost to easy. I mean.. give me a 2000 pound target any day vs. a Peregrine or Northern Harrier that doesn't fill the center focus point..:rofl

So after PP'ing almost 2000 shots (I only posted about 100, divided into groups) I finally got out today to check the Red-Tail nest. I thought for sure there would be young ones since she has been sitting on it for almost 3 weeks now but nothing yet. It has got to be close.

She got up a couple times today to stretch (must be a real pain sitting still for 3-4 weeks). The one branch I was worried about has bloomed and does get in the way but I should be able to get some good shots of the little ones as well as mom and dad bringing food to the nest.

Here are a few shots from today.. Dad comes around every once in a while to check on things but doesn't hang around long. She gets up and looks in the nest every once in a while.. probably wondering when in the heck they are going to hatch.

Check out shot #2. The little Finch (I think) doesn't know how lucky it is that there are eggs in that nest. Momma was looking at it pretty hard and licking her lips..:rofl

All shot with a 500mm + 1.4 II Ext - tripod - remote release - mirror lockup on all but flying shots. I'm a long long distance away from the nest.

Hope you enjoy the shots.. Now I can get caught up on all the great shots I missed posted here. I'm sure there are some beauties I need to get caught up on.

#1 - Still sitting on the nest after almost 3 weeks

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#2 - Oh so close and Oh so hungry !!

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#3 - Dad stopping by to check up on things

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#4 - But not for long

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#5 - Off to meet the guys for a beer

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#6 - OKAY little guys.. lets get going, Momma needs a new pair of shoes !!

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#7 - Hello !!! is anybody listening to ME !! Wake Up.:rofl

saurora

Great shots! I've never seen an RTH nesting before. Can't wait to see the little ones!! That's quite an impressive nest, too!

PrescottPhotog

saurora wrote:

Great shots! I've never seen an RTH nesting before. Can't wait to see the little ones!! That's quite an impressive nest, too!

Hi Saurora, Thanks for the compliments. I was lucky to find this nest after watching the RT's courting for so long. I'm hoping that one branch doesn't block my shots.

It's funny because as I'm watching the nest a bunch of finches have built their nests in the side and just below where the RT's are sitting (in all the hollow parts) and are in and out constantly.

Maestro

Very cool series. I think I like the last one the best.

Harryb

Good set Chris. I'm really looking forward to seeing what develops with them. :lurk

I've done some surfing shots down here and I found it to be incredibly easier than shooting wildlife.

raptorcaptor

Good set Chris!

PrescottPhotog

Maestro wrote:

Very cool series. I think I like the last one the best.

Hi Stephen, Thanks for viewing. The last one did turn out nice and sharp for some unknown reason..

PrescottPhotog

Harryb wrote:

Good set Chris. I'm really looking forward to seeing what develops with them. :lurk

I've done some surfing shots down here and I found it to be incredibly easier than shooting wildlife.

Hi Harry.. Thanks for viewing. I sure hope there is a successful hatch. I'm far enough away that I won't bother them and now that the leaves are out I can get in place without being seen.

PrescottPhotog

raptorcaptor wrote:

Good set Chris!

Hi Glenn, Thanks for viewing and for the compliments.