2010 was an off year for me for wildlife. I just haven't gotten out as much as I would have liked, and I certainly don't have anything that compares to the stuff posted here so far. But I will offer two, more meager photos nevertheless. The first because it was just great light and good fortune that he came right up to me - it's uncropped. The second only because I love the playfulness. Neither are what I'd call stellar images, but oh well...
I love this thread!
Crawling these forums on one of my favorite things to do in my dwindling spare time. The work posted in this community is truly inspiring and drives me to push harder, and shoot better.
I really like the idea of each person posting their favorite and telling why it is their favorite, it is like a greatest hits thread. Keep em coming everybody!
It's hard to pick just one image that stands out to me because each one I manage to get I remember the circumstances behind it or what I was thinking at the time.
A Red-tailed Hawk is what got me started with wildlife photography 3 years ago after an encounter with one in my backyard. The place I frequent has a "resident" Red-tailed Hawk that hangs around a certain area during the winter months. There are a lot of photographers that go to this place because of the nesting pair of Bald Eagles so getting some alone time with something is hard to come by.
One day I found the resident Red-tailed Hawk and spent a good 3 hours with it as it hunted. This is one image from that day...
Rob Tillyer wrote:
I always enjoy these threads at the end of the year, thanks Thang. Great images posted so far. This is a red-naped sapsucker doing its thing.
Rob
Rob, I love this shot!!! I am still trying to find a Pileated willing to pose.
Thang, sure glad you brought this thread to life and wow wow wow what 'life' has been breathed into it. I have got to think that this thread is going to be a lovely treat for those stopping by for inspiration in any way shape or form, totally impressive work by all..........................
Doug Bentlage wrote:
Hello everyone! Although my photography outings this year have been few and far between, one morning this past May was special. Watching 16 Wood Duck chicks make their initial leap from the nest box is something I'll never forget. This is one from that morning.
Jody, that kestrel shot is a winner. Such a difficult bird to approach (for me) and then to get an in-flight like that! Wow. Simply stunning shot of a beautiful bird.
Jody Melanson wrote:
Thanks Thang for getting this yearly thread going. I hope Laura and family are doing fine.
Some spectacular images in this here thread. Except for Nello's. His was merely awesome.
Like many others it seems, I didn't get out shooting too much this past year.
I took this Kestrel way back in January of this year. I was ecstatic when I saw this image on my camera LCD when I chimped.
And sorry Thang, but I also have to include this one as getting this close to a Red Tail is always special around these parts as they are so skittish.
trenchmonkey wrote:
+1 Karl
This was a favorite as I stayed with him until the BG & wing position was what I wanted.
(somebody had to follow Khan gulp....guess it'll be me)
Doug Bentlage wrote:
Hello everyone! Although my photography outings this year have been few and far between, one morning this past May was special. Watching 16 Wood Duck chicks make their initial leap from the nest box is something I'll never forget. This is one from that morning.
andrewhuxman wrote:
WOW Doug thats just AWESOME............Hope to see you on the River this Winter.
Since I am going Viera Wetlands in 2 weeks I will wait to post my best shot I might get it there ...who knows .
Great shot buddy 
Amazing shot, Doug! Looks like they'd just go thud on the ground.
