I think I'll be stalking this area a bit for the next few days as it is apparent that the new babes of the nest will fly soon. I believe this is one of the young in the nest as the legs have lots of downy feathers still and it hopped from branch to branch above the nest, but never left. One of the parents went away to rest on another tree branch for awhile and I sought it out for some shots, but this one was my favorite (no, I know, quality is not good).
I learned two nights ago about so many things for bird photography, and one of those things is that my current lens has lots of limitations (it's the kit zoom 75-300). I also learned that once you get an incredible lens, that you really work with a tripod and a gimbal mount (gives lots of flexibility). The speaker was so nice to go through my options with me as I showed him what I'm working with to get my shots.
This afternoon, I went down to the office park where these Cooper's hawks have built their nest. I took my tripod to see what it's like to set up a shot and HOPE for the best. You can see my focus is off. I had to crop quite a bit for you to see, and I've decided to keep the nest a focal point as I think it's good for context. All things I learned the other night. I believe there are two young in the nest. I have some pretty imperfect shots of parents and young from yesterday, but I'm running out of time. It's been a weird summer--I thought I would have more time than I do, and truly, we are not really DOING anything. But one daughter is about to head to Japan again, and there are preparations under way. My brother and niece are coming for a visit. As much as I had hoped, I was not able to afford a "going away" vacation this summer. And finally, while we have Six Flags Passes this summer, apparently we are on our own a lot, regardless.
Even fourth of July we are on our own again. One daughter will go off to a party. I'll watch World Cup and maybe cook ribs, but we somehow miss the party routine for this big day.
I'll spend the morning of the fourth watching these hawks I think. It'll brighten my spirits!
Happy Fourth to the US folks on this site. We have fireworks bought in Tennessee and I'm nervous setting them off. But as we have done for the past three years, it'll be a homespun night of fun. :)
@mzzhope You are very kind. I'm feeling the limitations of my equipment finally. You should have seen the equipment of the speaker I met the other night. I'm still "all kit" when it comes to distance, so I really do have to work at it. But it's all good. I was proud of myself setting up the tripod and setting everything (except ISO) manually, including the focus (which is off--my tripod also is cheap and old). I know that some day I'll have skills prior to buying the lens I'll need, and that keeps me going.
Absolutely impressive! I think I heard some hawks in the trees behind our house today too and thought of your photo! with my limited eyesight all I could do was listen and dream about actually seeing them for a shot! This is an amazing shot to get it so well.
Looking forward to your stalking photos. This is nice. Sometimes the stay at home summers are good for us. You have such lovely places up there. I often get antsy in "wait mode" and then I find out why...just lost my dad this week.
@danette if you ever do come up here, please let me know. I'd love to meet you in person. So sorry about your dad. Wrote a note on another photo. Hugs.
