Hawk Kills Duck

[Howboucha]

I made a trip on the Wabash River from Fairbanks Park to Clinton on the 3rd. Of course, I left my camera equipment behind. :(

Approximately 3 miles North from the Fairbanks Park boat dock, I watched a hawk strike a duck at the waters edge for the kill. I pulled my boat up to the bank and watched the hawk complete the kill from about 15' away. I didn't want to get too close because I wasn't looking forward to having the hawks' talons in my eyeballs. :lol:
I stayed for about 15 minutes, then realized that I could probably race back to the park to get my camera gear, and return in time before the hawk finished it's dinner.

I did it. About .5 later (I have a slow boat) the hawk was still there. When I came upon it, it flew away but landed in a tree. I shot about 100 frames, and the photos below are what I considered the best.

All photos quality reduced for viewing on the web.

http://www.purplepug.com/river/heron-edited.jpg

http://www.purplepug.com/river/DSC_0080-main.jpg

http://www.purplepug.com/river/DSC_0086-2nd.jpg

http://www.purplepug.com/river/DSC_0001.jpg

http://www.purplepug.com/river/DSC_0003.jpg

http://www.purplepug.com/river/DSC_0019.jpg

http://www.purplepug.com/river/DSC_0101.jpg

http://www.purplepug.com/river/DSC_0107.jpg

http://www.purplepug.com/river/DSC_0120.jpg

[Grim]

As above.

It would be nice if there were more pictures on the site. Just pictures from outside your front door or your local area. I'll dig out some more of mine and slip them in as a starter for ten. :idea:

[Heavy]

Nice pics Brendan. I was at my Parent's place last winter and saw a hawk pluck a sparrow off one of my Father's bird feeders. It then flew to the nearby swingset and proceeded to pluck and eat it. Very interesting for us adults but I think my 7 year old neice is scarred for life from it.

How's the boat working for you? Manage to plane it out yet?

[Howboucha]

That would be horrible for a young child to see. I had a difficult time watching it slowly kill the duck, but something really intrigued me so I stayed to watch. I did yell at the hawk a few times to let it go, but of course I couldn't phase it.

I think I need a different boat, something bigger. I may go ahead and start the search for a whaler or zoidac. Mine is good for what it is, but I am expecting more I guess. For a tool around and fish in a close area boat, it does the trick.


Keep those photos coming. Doesn't have to be MC related.

[RodK]

Great shots Howboucha. You must have some serious glass. What is your gear?

Rod

[Howboucha]

Thanks for the kudo's. For the hawk shots, I used my Nikon D70 body and my new baby, a Sigma 28-200 2.8. It's sweet. I also have the 18-70 that came with the D70. I will be looking for another body soon because changing lenses is a real pain.

[RodK]

Man, those tree top shots with a 200 :shock: . That's awesome. I love that machine gun feature on my Rebel XT. Great for birds. Digital photography is a blast. I can't wait for the cost of the DSLR bodies to come down so I can take more chances hauling my gear on my bicycle or Wee Strom.

Rod

[Howboucha]

I was actually approximately 50' away from him in those shots. I did some serious cropping in Photoshop to get the final result. When it killed the duck, I was about 15' away, but no camera. Another hawk was circling above me, and screaching, when I was observing. It was a great experience.

[water warrior]

Here in our corner of the world we watch Bald Eagles fishing for salmon. Squamish is their winter home. Tis an awesome site with all those white heads high up in the trees just across the river.

[c2100]

Great photos.

I often have my D70 with a Tamron 28 -300 in the tank bag. If not have a Sony W7 in my left jacket pocket.

A flip face helmet makes takig photos easier.

Keep up the good work.