I first spotted this beautiful Red Tail Hawk as it was gliding into a stand of Oak. It settled on a branch and spent some time ruffling it’s feathers and situating itself. The Hawk was hunting for Squirrels and had selected an ideal location as I have literally dozens of Squirrels on the property. But that makes for many dozens of eyes watching the skies. The ground was absent of squirrels. The Oaks showed no sign of Squirrel activity. All was silent. Eerily silent. There was a predator nearby. The Squirrels won this round. However, it was my opportunity to take the impossible photo.
Life as a Red Tail Hawk
It must be frustrating to be such an unwelcome guest as the Hawk. After all, the Hawk was only looking for a dining companion! Something about that ‘being pecked to death’ is a real turn off! I watched him, but only briefly, from the warmth of my abode. Weather conditions were not ideal for outdoor photography. It was 16 below zero air temp and the Windchill dropped the feel down to -35. Exposed skin freezes in minutes in those conditions.
Embracing a sense of urgency for the impossible photo
Time was not on my side. I knew the Red Tail would not dally if it couldn’t spot a potential food item. I had to get outside ASAP to capture the impossible photo. To my way of Minnesota/Scandinavian thinking, that meant to take the polar plunge and ‘yust get out dere!’
I headed out the door with camera in hand. I was wearing house moccasins and a shirt jacket. (Am I nuts?) As I step out on the packed snow, I immediately detect a serious problem. With each step, “SQUEAK!!” Squeaky snow. Hateful. How can I effectively stalk such a wary bird of prey when I sound like a rusty well pump handle!?! I tried to move slowly but I still didn’t have a view of my subject. Step by step, “SQUEAK!, SQUEAK!” This is ridiculous but I am VERY determined now to get the shot.
Spotted!
As I round the corner of the house, I get a glimpse of the Red Tail. Beautiful Bird! I so want to have some additional Raptor shots in my Portfolio. I have a few but they are not ideal. Flying above trees – obstructed view – that sort of thing. I’m seeking an unobstructed photo of a Raptor in flight. This might be my opportunity! I take a couple shots just to say I captured it.
Moving forward and the squeaking is relentless. The Red Tail hears me, scans, and quickly locates me. I hastily step ahead to get a full view, ignoring the cold and squeakiness and manage one shot before the Raptor departs post haste. My ears and fingers are burning. My moccasins are buried with snow. The wind is blowing through my shirt jac. Not pleasant.
Did I get the impossible photo?
I head back to the house, post haste, anxious to see what sort of image I managed to capture. Well, I got the featured image to this story, which is very exciting to me, and . . . a ‘majestic’ shot of the Red Tail’s tail feathers as he flew off. I may not have gotten ‘the’ impossible shot but I did capture a great photo in impossible conditions!
Jon asks, “Was that worth it? All the cold and squeaking?’ Yes, yes it was! It was a learning moment. A mid-afternoon adventure! Yes, it was worth it. I actually like the first shot! The second shot will forever remind me of the one that got away. Next time I’ll get an even better photo. And I’m already pumped for the next opportunity.
I’m going to include the featured image in a Gallery on my website. Just have to figure out where I’ll place it. Probably in the “Other Waterfowl, Shorebirds & Miscellaneous Photo Gallery.” Not a great fit but it will be a special surprise for people searching my Galleries! Eventually Raptors will have their own Gallery. Questions? You know the drill. Contact me.
Closing
A great life lesson is buried in my folly: Don’t quit. Press the limits in life. Push yourself. Don’t place limits on what you can do. Just do it! Indeed, that is what life is about. No one said it would be easy. But is it worth it? Absolutely, it is! Every single breath of it. I hope you enjoy your day. Stay safe. Avoid frost bite (if it is out to bite you!). Cherish the great memories and create even greater ones starting right now! Peace.
