Tuesday, August 21, 2012

raptor rhapsody

Birds of prey fascinate me.  I like them for lots of reasons.  Ten years ago I read Soaring on High by Mary Whelchel.  In her book, she makes numerous fascinating comparisons between eagles and Christians.  Her insights, plus other common facts about birds makes me excited to see them float on air, or sit majestically on a high perch.

One day, I saw a Red-tailed Hawk both on the way to work, and then on the way back home.  I stopped to take pictures both times.  This is one of the afternoon pics.  I think the wind made his feathers look a bit rough.

15 comments:

happyone said...

Ah, he's a beauty!!

Jackie said...

Love these birds of prey.
Fascinating to watch and to photograph. Great job!!

Pastor Dave said...

cool pic! i keep promising myself this coming february i am going get to starved rock with my camera; the month where many eagles are hanging out by the locks.

donsands said...

Nice. Love hawks. I also have a few photos of Ospreys, when Patti and I go down and spend time on the Eastern Shore.Thanks Craver for always taking such excellent photographs.

Craver Vii said...

Yes Jackie, I find him to be quite regal. I wish I could get a sharper picture, but this my best for now.

Thanks Jackie. I imagine you see a good variety of raptors in the mountains.

Mr. Dave, if it's okay with you, I'd like to go with you to Starved Rock. I'd love to get a photo of an eagle some day!

In my opinion Sandman, Ospreys are some of the more beautiful raptors, especially because of their large eyes. It would be neat to visit your area to hang out and try to catch some pics, but it would be better still if someday I could join you and Patti at church to worship the Lord under the same roof.

donsands said...

Craver, how I would love you to woship with us. You be very blessed with our pastors and worship.
And it would be such a blessing to hang out at St. Michael's MD as well.

imac said...

Dont blame you having a little wind,lol, great shot my friend.

George said...

This is a marvelous portrait of the hawk. I like the way his feathers are ruffled as well.

Shammickite said...

I watched a pair of red-tailed hawks soaring in circles and hunting for dinner a couple of days ago. Beautiful.
Thanks for your recent comments, I am very honoured that you would like me as a neighbour, that was a lovely thing to say.... or maybe you just want to sit on my new deck with a cold beer... is that it?
And "sole" music????? Groan......

DeniseinVA said...

He's a beautiful bird!

Craver Vii said...

I'm a low budget kind of guy, Sandman. I would probably do better to arrange to be there on a potluck Sunday. (lol)

A little wind or a lotta hot air, Imac. I suppose either one could be accurate. :-)

'Twas nice of Mr. Hawk to sit still for me, George.

Cold beer? Now you're talkin, Shammie! I like a dark stout nearly frozen. My wife will take a wine cooler if it's offered, but I've never seen her actually drink it. I think she fakes it, and pours it out. Shhhh... don't tell.

About the pun... I couldn't help myself. (big grin)

Thank you, Denise! Look at him up there... he knows he's cool.

lime said...

nice job capturing him! when we first moved here we had one that used to roost on our property. haven't seen him in years though.

Anonymous said...

Large clumsy looking harrier hawks along with the smart swift flying sparrow hawks, used to be very common in NZ.

As a boy I used to find it very exciting watching the many magpies attacking the harrier hawk slowly flying across their territory. It was very much like wartime air combat - the hawk the sole bomber and the magpies the speedy fighters with all guns blazing.

This Is My Blog - fishing guy said...

Love the capture Craver.

Craver Vii said...

I wonder Lime... did the bird disappear shortly after Isaac got his first slingshot?

That's a good description of the scene, Kiwi. I can just imagine.

That's the clearest one so far, Fishing Guy. I've tried to get it a handful of times before.