Red-shouldered Hawk Takes Off

Ronald Zigler

This is the same Red-shouldered Hawk I have been photographing for four years now. While I would have preferred that the hawk takeoff perpendicular to me rather than towards me, this is certainly better than when it flies away showing me its tail. The lighting was great (late afternoon) and the camera settings froze the action well. Nonetheless, I have mixed feelings about this photo. Primarily on account of the wings clipped outside the camera frame. However, I also think this focuses attention on the birds face. What do you think?

Black-legged Kittiwake

European Herring Gull