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

#2 looking right

#3 looking left

#4 golden eagle

#5 bald eagle

#6 snowy owl

Lovely selection Herb & I think you managed very well with the captive birds as well.

Lil - taking a break from cleaning up after the wildfires - - so no picks.... Sorry

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.

Tim

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!!!

Beautiful shots, but I really like the RTH.

A very well done series. You done did gooood.


Wacky roger
Founding Member Of OOOPs

Herb, Great series. I like the wild RTH shots- very nice. That first look is a classic.
Also an excellent job with the photos from The Raptor Trust.

Ken

Great series Herb.

Garen

Herb -
Nice captive portraits.
- Ken

Lil Judd wrote:
Lovely selection Herb & I think you managed very well with the captive birds as well.

Lil - taking a break from cleaning up after the wildfires - - so no picks.... Sorry
Thanks Lil.
Herb

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.

Tim
Thanks for the comments Tim.
Herb

you would never know they were captive Herb.....nice.
Even worth another visit for you

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

You RTH looks quite attentive, Herb. Did it flee shortly after the shots were taken?

Really like that Owl portrait - great contact with the eyes and the exposure looks just about as perfect as you can get!

Ken

Super star catchlights on the snowy.