Cooper's Hawk 1 - Click image to view larger!

I really like the bird's pose. But, the lighting is harsh with some very hot spots

Thanks Ken! Same thought here, I like the backlighting but wish I had my flash with the better beamer to fill and balance the light out better. I have a better one with him launching from a tree I will post later.

Tim, maybe a different time of day?

Yes, the afternoon or early morning light would be great but they don't come out or down much. This is the first time I see this male come down to the fence after a week of stalking him.  These guy hang out up the tree and it's hard to locate them most of the time. I am going to process the one he's on a tree (at about the same time) but the shade defuse the light better. Thanks for your thought Ken! :-)

what? You mean they don't just come to you to pose when the light is most favorable?? How rude!  Sometimes you have to deal with what you've got- maybe not your best shot, but still interesting. Thanks. We're starting to learn the difference between the types of hawk from these too.

Thanks Greg & Verena! Cooper Hawk in particular tend to hang out in the foilage of trees since that's how they tend to hunt. Hide in the tree and come out while the victim is not paying attention ..