As she was just about to gain elevation from the launch, searching for a new feeding spot, little did she know a pair of preying eyes had been intensely shadowing her every little movement from a nearby tree. A golden window of opportunity finally opened up for the hungry and cold juvenile Red-tailed hawk, who had been hunting to no avail since the break of dawn. Not wasting such an opportunity, the young raptor simply seized the ill-fated female bufflehead in the mid-air without much struggle. It took over three hours for the hawk to devour its fresh catch. Such an adrenaline rush and gruesome scene to witness, yet this is just another typical rule of the wildlife..
Sharing a few shots from thousands taken from this 'rare' event here. A video capture also can be found at " target="_blank" rel="nofollow">www.youtube.com/watch?v=NHVlHjmymOE. Gore warning - Viewer Discretion Advised.
It was taken handheld so be warned some of you may get motion sickness.. Please note that the use of the soothing music is meant to balance out the violence..
so please no complaints about lacking of dramatic mood..
1. Pinned..
7D2 | 100mm - 400mm II + 1.4X | 1/1250s | f/8 | ISO 800 | M | Handheld
2. Bon apetit..
7D2 | 100mm - 400mm II | 1/1600s | f/6.3 | ISO 640 | M | Handheld
3. Coming up with a snack.
1DX | 600mm II + 1.4X | 1/1200s | f/6.3 | ISO 320 | M | Handheld
4. Another snack
7D2 | 600mm II + 1.4X | 1/2000s | f/6.3 | ISO 640 | M | Handheld
5. Down you go..
7D2 | 600mm II + 1.4X | 1/2000s | f/6.3 | ISO 640 | M | Handheld
6. The grab
7D2 | 600mm II +1.4X | 1/1600s | f/6.3 | ISO 1250 | M | Handheld
7. Mouthful
7D2 | 600mm II +1.4X | 1/1600s | f/6.3 | ISO 500 | M | Handheld
8. The portrait
7D2 | 100mm - 400mm II +1.4X | 1/800s | f/10 | ISO 640 | M | Handheld
9. The end.. taking a bow for a standing ovation..
7D2 | 600mm II | 1/1250s | f/6.3 | ISO 1250 | M | Handheld
You "own" that redtail!! He doesn't seem to mind you at all. The only thing that outshines these images is your description. You must do some sort of professional writing and if not; you should!!!!!
That buffy capture is incredible.
They are "the bomb"!!
Don
job Phoo - and 
bravo!
