American Kestrel
These are some absolutely amazing little raptors I love seeing them darting around out in the wild, but this is the first opportunity I’ve ever had to work with them up close and personal…
Redtail Landscape
Serendipity is Mother Nature’s gift to photographers. So often we stand before a landscape wishing and wanting for a bird or moose or some other interesting wild creature to put itself out there for the shot. Sometimes we get what we wish for…
Redtail Landscape
This redtail hawk chose the perfect moment to fly through. Thanks!
More from Mono Lake…
I’m sure you don’t think I spent the whole day freezing my ass off for 5 shots…
Eastern Sierras and South Tufa
Warning...Dragons Be Here...
Fading Color
First Light
"WTF are you doing?!?"
Harris Hawk Profile
Thanks for taking the time to look!!
Breakfast with a Hawk
This Karma, the Red Tail Hawk:
Karma
Karma should not be alive. About 3 or 4 years ago, Karma was found in the desert, in 110*F heat, all of his primary flight feathers pulled from his wings, extremely dehydrated, and unconscious. He was brought in to be rehabilitated, and after intensive recovery care, they discovered that he was suffering from some sort of spinal injury and/or nerve damage. He couldn’t fly, couldn’t perch properly, and had no chance of being released to the wild. So he became an “Education Bird” for the center.
About 8-10 months ago…Karma started taking short hops and flapping his wings and perching better. Over the last 6 months or so, he has been flying off tether over short distances, and responding to glove training and lure training.
Karma is a miracle bird. He should not even be alive, yet here he is, in all his glory, flying ever so gracefully and beautifully.
Enjoy these pictures of Karma. Mother Nature is a beautiful lover, but can be ever so cruel. This one was saved.
Landing on a baited lure
Looking strong
Taking off from the glove
Pulling up for a landing
Feeding on a tidbit. I got lucky on the lighting in this one...
He sees something...
Coming in for a landing
Taking off from the glove
Another perfect take off
Instead of landing, he grabbed the tidbit from Art's hand and made an immediate U-turn...
...and flew STRAIGHT at me! I got lucky..this one is in focus...
…Sometimes you gotta know when to shoot the picture…and when to duck…
Thanks for joining me and watching this incredible bird re-learn how to do what he is supposed to do. At the end of the day, Cindy, the head of the rehab center, invited me to join the Educational Team, and help with the reptile education…and to work with Karma. I might just have to take her up on that offer…
