<< Previous Next >>

Harris Hawk


Harris Hawk
Photo Information
Copyright: Mark Oxley (MojoUK) Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 65 W: 7 N: 328] (1479)
Genre: Animals
Medium: Color
Date Taken: 2006-06-04
Categories: Birds
Camera: Canon EOS 20D, Canon EF 100-400mm F/4.5-5.6L IS USM, Digital ISO 200
Exposure: f/8, 1/1250 seconds
Photo Version: Original Version
Date Submitted: 2006-06-07 19:29
Viewed: 980
Points: 14
[Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note
HARRIS' HAWK (Parabuteo unicinctus).

The Harris' hawk is a medium-sized, tropical or semitropical hawk, widely distributed from the US-Mexico border south to Chile and Argentina.

It is one of the most remarkable birds of prey, because it has a unique behaviour pattern. These birds hunt in family groups, in much the same way as wolves hunt in packs. Each group consists of a pair, with a dominant female, and several helpers. When they sight their prey from the air, they land on the ground and take turns to scare the prey animal until it darts out from its hiding place and is captured by another member of the hunting pack. This seems to be an adaptation to flush out their prey from beneath the thorny habitats of mesquite, saguaro and semi-arid woodland without causing damage to the birds' plumage.

When the prey has been captured, the bird adopts a posture known as mantling, shielding the prey with the wings in an apparent attempt to hide it from other birds. The main types of prey include rabbits, rodents, snakes, lizards and other birds.

Taken at Eagle Heights raptor centre.
DOBIS, sandpiper2, aido has marked this note useful
Only registered TrekNature members may rate photo notes.
Add Critique [Critiquing Guidelines] 
Only registered TrekNature members may write critiques.
Discussions
None
You must be logged in to start a discussion.

Critiques [Translate]

  • Great 
  • BeBe Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 131 W: 0 N: 253] (909)
  • [2006-06-07 20:09]

Hi Mark, very good sharp photo, good composition, flying birds are always difficult subjects, Juan

Great POV and details - very nice shot!

  • Great 
  • manyee Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 3073 W: 232 N: 5866] (19730)
  • [2006-06-08 2:31]

Wow... Just fantastic, Mark.
Great in flight shot with stunning sharpness and wonderful POV.
TFS. : )

  • Great 
  • DOBIS Gold Star Critiquer/Silver Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 126 W: 16 N: 170] (632)
  • [2006-06-08 3:10]

Hello Mark,
Great sharpness, contrast to the background and perfect moment.
TFS
T+M

Great in-flight shot.
Excellent sharpness and superb composition.
well exposed.

  • Great 
  • aido Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 1097 W: 168 N: 1218] (4046)
  • [2006-06-08 8:31]

Hi Mark,
Beautiful shot, exposure is perfect. Excellent detail, especially in the wings. Great colours and perfect background. None of my Harris Hawk shots came out too well, so another day I guess. Beautiful work mate.
Cheers,
Adrian

This is excellent Mark, perfect exposure all on a nice blue sky background. The details and colors are right on the money. :)

Calibration Check
















0123456789ABCDEF