Face to face with an American Buzzard

You can try for years and not get a shot like this one. Editing-wise, I would consider lightening the face and eyes a little bit to make them stand out more. But I'm nit-picking.

I may have trouble sleeping tonight - excellent photo op - well done

Is that really a buzzard? I was thinking it looked more like a hawk. Either way it's an awesome shot.

Wow.

this is a really good example of how nikkor 80-200

IF AF-S lens should be used! :)

keep up the good work!

-In Europe, all hawks of the buteo species are referred to as buzzards. In USA, the term is reserved for vultures.

From the size of the mouth, this appears to be a Ferriginous hawk. (Buteo Regalis) . Possibly a red-tailed hawk, Leather straps (jesses) on legs indicate this bird is used in the sport of Falconry.

very powerful picture. I do'nt find anything I would have done diffrently.

Incredible picture thats shows the fury of a Buzzard. I am just amazed by your reflexes - well auto-focus certainly helps, but this picture is all about timing which is perfect . Just wondering why this was not chosen as POW. I get the impression that pictures of wildlife are not getting proper attention in photo.net

What can I say? Once I tryed to shoot an eagle during a show and failed in focus 100%. They are realy quick, enourmous speed and you can not see them realy good because of their camouflage. How many shots did you do for that one? (It doesnt count if you get one as this as result, but as I'm analouge I'm thinking ... X-roles?)

I think this is a Red-tailed Hawk, which should really be called Red-tailed Buzzard, except there is one already in South America. Anyway, look at the white leading edges of the wings and the reddish tint on the tail feathers. Plus, it's got those specks on the chest: it's a red-tail alright.

 

By the way, I think that calling New World vultures "buzzards" comes from the times when ignorant Englishmen in the early 16-17-hundreds couldn't tell a buzzard from a vulture. Hence the misnomer.