I published an article a little while back about a young Red-shouldered Hawk that slipped past me and actually tried to catch a Tricolored Heron. The Heron was of course too big and fast. Click here to view the post.
Following the rule of ‘keep shooting’ I stayed with hawk after he missed the Tricolor.
The Red-shoulder landed on another big branch, still looking for prey. There were all kinds of wading birds right in this spot. He knew and was alert.
However, about the same time as the Hawk landed a Night Heron jumped off the same tree. He had been higher up in the branches and watching the action.
The Black-crowned Night Heron was taking no chances with the ambitious Hawk. He was gone by the time the Hawk could decide what to do, and by now lost the element of surprise here.
The rule of ‘keep shooting’ comes from sports photography. Many of the best, and iconic, photographs are shots taken immediately after the main action has occurred. Basically holding the button a little longer in case something happens.
Of course I don’t always do it, but it’s a good idea.
Good tip – Thanks !
After reading that I look at sports shots differently. And they’re right. Best shots are the people dancing after the ball hits net.
Great capture of that Night Heron in flight!!
Thanks. Standing in the right spot LOL.
I know just what you mean! Sometimes that makes all the difference.
😁😁
That is an ambitious hawk. Good advice on shooting past, I just wish the camera companies would implement my shots BEFORE I press the shutter feature so I will stop missing all those good shots!
I get hundreds from the current pre-capture functions. Any more and I will just live in my office chair sorting files LOL.
Where’s the fun in that? Just bragging rights!! Smile……..
Nice sequence, Ted.