Today, I had an appointment near Great Swamp NWR, so I left extra early to scope out the refuge, a new area for me. Unfortunately, all the blinds, viewing areas and trails were closed for hunting until Sunday. So, I went to the main office for brochures and found a cooperative red tailed hawk in the parking lot. Inside, I was informed of the nearby " The Raptor Trust " which is a rehabilitation facility for raptors. Warning: captive species include peregrines, bald and golden eagles, black and turkey vultures, red tailed, red shouldered, broad winged and rough legged hawks along with short eared, long eared, screech and snowy owls. So, to lighten the disappointed mood, I photographed some of these captive but still beautiful birds. Last three shot with the hood mashed into the chicken wire and chainlink fencing 500 f/4 handheld,manual focus.
First three are of the wild RTH, last three ( the eagles and the owl ) are captive birds.
Herb
#1 looking back
Herb, love the first one, great look, wonderful looking bird, well done. The snowy is another pick, great portrait. The bg compliments the subject quite well.
Herb, I didn't know you lived in NJ!!! The great swamp is a wonderful place. I went there a few times this summer. These shots are very nice!!! The first image of the Red Tail is my favorite here!!!
Tim Kuhn wrote:
Herb, love the first one, great look, wonderful looking bird, well done. The snowy is another pick, great portrait. The bg compliments the subject quite well.
Brenton Biggs wrote:
Herb, I didn't know you lived in NJ!!! The great swamp is a wonderful place. I went there a few times this summer. These shots are very nice!!! The first image of the Red Tail is my favorite here!!!
Thanks for the pick Brenton. I hope to visit there soon.
Herb
So, I went to the main office for brochures and found a cooperative red tailed hawk in the parking lot. Inside, I was informed of the nearby " The Raptor Trust " which is a rehabilitation facility for raptors. Warning: captive species include peregrines, bald and golden eagles, black and turkey vultures, red tailed, red shouldered, broad winged and rough legged hawks along with short eared, long eared, screech and snowy owls. So, to lighten the disappointed mood, I photographed some of these captive but still beautiful birds. Last three shot with the hood mashed into the chicken wire and chainlink fencing 
500 f/4 handheld,manual focus.