Red-Tailed Baby - Update #1 (6/3/08)

PrescottPhotog

Hi Everyone, (this is the 1st of two posts and the shots are in sequence)

Sorry I haven't been around for a while, I had a couple non-photographic projects to get done.

I have been to the nest on a regular basis and have hundreds of shots of the little one growing up.. and finally really testing his wings. He also has his voice and it is a real treat to listen to him scream. Mom and dad only come around every so often so he has the whole nest to himself (or herself). It is really hard to get in focus shots because the distance is so great I have virtually no DOF and he won't hold still very long.

I did start taking shots with the circular polarizer and it really makes the colors pop. Hope you enjoy the updates.

#1 - To show you how I've grown, here I am on 5/18. Just 17 days ago.

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#2 - Mom and dad stopped by to bring me breakfast (when dad comes to the nest this little guy shrinks down into the nest and doesn't mess with dad at all).

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#3 - Dad delivered breakfast and then left, so now I can come out and eat.

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#4 - Breakfast is over, now mom and I can have a nice chat.

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#5 - Mom and dad left. Now I am all alone.

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#6 - Why can all those other birds fly but I can't.. hmmmm

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#7 - One day soon I will fly too.


Please see the second post.. I think you will enjoy the progress junior is making.

jonh68

I like #6 the best. Classic pose, too bad that twig is in the way. This has been a great series to see.

Maestro

1 and 7 are very nice. I can almost here that screech in the first one.

Giphsub

#5 & #7 for me It's really cool to follow this Chris. Cheers for sharing!

Ric Grupe

#3 clap

Going to look at the 2nd post!

bhowdy

Wonderful images! Loved the eye contact in the 3rd picture.

PrescottPhotog

jonh68 wrote:

I like #6 the best. Classic pose, too bad that twig is in the way. This has been a great series to see.

Hi Jon, I see that twig in my sleep..
Thanks for the compliment on the series. I'm hoping I can catch the little one flying. First he has to get up the courage to hop to the other big branches.

I watched some baby eagles a couple years ago and they really stick close to the nest, hopping the big branches just before they fly for the first time. It is surprising how much this Red-Tail mimics the eagles actions (or visa-versa) including how it is all over mom (like a loving mom and tyke) but when dad comes to the nest it shrinks down into a little ball like the Alfa male does to the lesser in a pack of wolves. Dad doesn't do anything or threaten it but it is pretty amazing how the little one reacts.

PrescottPhotog

Maestro wrote:

1 and 7 are very nice. I can almost here that screech in the first one.

Hi Stephen, Thanks for viewing. The little one was just talking up a storm the other day like it just got its voice.

As I mentioned above about the eagles. I watched the grown baby eagle trying to call out but no sounds came out. Then all of a sudden it figured out how to chat.. and then wouldn't keep quiet.

This is the second species of birds (both raptors) that I've observed that don't get a voice until they are very near fledging. Not at all like GBH's or Cormorants or little birds that scream from the time their eggs crack.

PrescottPhotog

Giphsub wrote:

#5 & #7 for me It's really cool to follow this Chris. Cheers for sharing!

Hi Mike, I'm glad you enjoy the shots. It has been a lot of fun watching this guy grow so fast it seems you could see it happen.

PrescottPhotog

Ric Grupe wrote:

#3 clap

Going to look at the 2nd post!

Thanks Ric, I had one a bit more gory but it didn't show the claw getting ready to grasp whatever it was he was ready to munch on.

PrescottPhotog

bhowdy wrote:

Wonderful images! Loved the eye contact in the 3rd picture.

Hi Bob, It would be cool if it was looking at me but I think he was concentrating more on his breakfast..

Harryb

Good set, they do grow up fast.