Went dove hunting this morning and................

[MN Shutterbug]

realized my aim is much better with my Canon than my gun. After a few futile attempts with the doves, I decided to drive around a bit and look for hawks. I always see a couple around this area near the backroads. I saw this guy from a distance and decided to stalk him. Every few feet I'd take a couple shots. I finally got within a respectable distance, and off he went. These are my first "keeper' hawk shots.

[Steve Foss]

Mike, those are great. Nice environmental portrait followed by two excellent BIF efforts. Sweet!

[MN Shutterbug]

Thanks, Steve. Even if I would have shot a few doves, this would still have been more satisfying.

My guess on this hawk is Broad - winged. Does that sound right?

[Wookiee]

Those are some great shots.

[Steve Foss]

I think you've got a juvenile red-tailed, Mike.

[MN Shutterbug]

Really? There were a couple things that didn't quite match the broad wing, but I couldn't find a red tail on this guy. Makes sense. I saw an adult red tail in the same area yesterday.

Thanks.

[Steve Foss]

Juvenile red-tails often lack all of the red. Some paler adult morphs also have very little red.

And, for future reference, a broad-winged hawk is slightly smaller than the average crow, so there's a big size difference between it and the red-tailed.

[mmeyer]

Great catch Mike! I really like the first BIF shot.

[yakfisher]

I really like the first BIF shot too. Nice work, wish I could lift a shot gun and chase some doves.

[Dbl]

Nice captures X! The BIF shots as mentioned are really nice shots

[mcary]

Nice shots Mike! Those are wonderful. Good work.

[Paul]

#1 and #2 are my favorites

[walleyecaber]

Great looking shots i like them all nice

[finnbay]

That first BIF is my favorite. Well done!

[buzzsaw]

Your comp is dialed in nicely on these, Mike! Keep up the good work!