He was...right THERE, off the trail perhaps 10 feet away from me. Didn't care about joggers passing close by, or a guy with a Big Lens pointed at him. I even had to back up as I was within the minimum focusing distance -- and how often can you say that about a raptor? Taken with the 7D and 500 f4 L prime on the BushHawk. Shot in RAW, processed and converted in Canon DPP, and further tweaked in PSPx3.
KCollett wrote:
Good detail, and a really nice portrait. Great find.
Thanks, Ken! It was one of those moments when I'm glad I was hiking around toting my 500 f4 on the BushHawk, as you never know what you might see...It's my dayhike lens of choice.
Karl Witt wrote:
Now isn't that a gift Mr Hawk whisperer!
That is pretty darn slick buddy, being that close and seeing this in the viewfinder must have been a powerful moment and would have give me goosebumps
Classy and I like it!
Karl
You're right Karl, he darned near filled up my viewfinder and I nearly fell over backwards backing up to so I could even get a headshot of him! I did get goosebumps but calmed myself down, knowing I might never get this opportunity again -- unless we see a raptor Up Close and Personal at your wildlife refuge when I visit ya during my 2013-14 Life on the Road Tour...
trailhiker wrote:
You're right Karl, he darned near filled up my viewfinder and I nearly fell over backwards backing up to so I could even get a headshot of him! I did get goosebumps but calmed myself down, knowing I might never get this opportunity again -- unless we see a raptor Up Close and Personal at your wildlife refuge when I visit ya during my 2013-14 Life on the Road Tour...
Thanks my friend!
Steve
Remind me on that, Back to the Wild is a rehab facility nearby, lots of raptors to see, sad for them but lucky to have the care they get here. http://backtothewild.com
Karl Witt wrote:
Remind me on that, Back to the Wild is a rehab facility nearby, lots of raptors to see, sad for them but lucky to have the care they get here. http://backtothewild.com
Will do, I'm putting it on my List of Places to Visit (and an addition "while visiting with Karl" )
birdied wrote:
Wonderful shot ! I can not imagine being that close to one, must have been a really wonderful experience.
Birdie
It was a wonderful experience, Roberta -- once I got over my initial shock! I mean, you just don't expect a close encounter like that to happen to you -- sure, someone else, but not you. I took so many shots -- and he was there for a good 10 minutes, just looking around -- that I finally just stood there, watching him. And watching the reactions of people walking by who didn't notice him until they were right next to him.
jodelak wrote:
Superb portrait shot, yes once in a while they let people with things pointed at them come very close
Yes, once in a while they do -- but usually not to this "people" For raptors, all I have to do is just THINK I'll be pointing the lens at them -- and they fly off, usually leaving me with nothing better than a butt shot. Being out with the 500 f4 as much as possible increases my chances that I'll encounter that rare raptor that doesn't give a rip.
)
I mean, you just don't expect a close encounter like that to happen to you -- sure, someone else, but not you. I took so many shots -- and he was there for a good 10 minutes, just looking around -- that I finally just stood there, watching him. And watching the reactions of people walking by who didn't notice him until they were right next to him. 
For raptors, all I have to do is just THINK I'll be pointing the lens at them -- and they fly off, usually leaving me with nothing better than a butt shot. Being out with the 500 f4 as much as possible increases my chances that I'll encounter that rare raptor that doesn't give a rip. 
