I have been feeling a bit antsy lately, couped up inside, not to willing to go out and hang in the 30 and 40 degree f weather any longer. The calender says Spring has officially arrived, the weeds and the Lily’s sure seem to know it is here, but the spring time temps have not. I am longing to get outside, feel the warmth of the sun, visualize the colors and sounds of nature and shoot.
I was letting our 150 pound furball of love in this afternoon and heard a couple of crows fussing about across the street. Being curious I went out front to see what the commotion was all about and saw our friendly neighborhood Hawk perched in a tree across the street. I must admit my pent up energy had me running to get the camera and the long lens in hopes that I would not scare the majestic beauty away as I gingerly made my way through the brush to get a closer view and hopefully some shots.
The crows scattered, but the Hawk remained:
It did not seem to be phased at all by my presence. I even made some extra noise to get it to turn its head into the frame. As I moved around to find the best angle through the branches and brush, it did not flinch.
A closer crop
Making my way around to its side, up a tiny hill and through some thorny bushes, shooting through some small branches which provide only a slight distraction in the frame I managed to get this shot which is a set up for the next picture. This is the uncropped version:
To put things into perspective, I was using a 200 mm prime on a 7D. These are at f4, 1/400th, iso 100. I have not really used this lens since October during Sandy. I forgot what an incredible piece of glass it can be. This is fully cropped in.
Talons! Makes you truly appreciate how these birds of prey get their food.
I moved up and around a bit closer to see if I could grab a better profile angle. Angle was good but the branch was a bit interfering. l am not complaining though, adds to the natural habitat feel and it was even kind enough to look into the lens in a very quizzical manner. 
I have been experimenting with black and white recently, trying to find out what works and what does not. Mainly I have just been decreasing the saturation in the photo rather than an actual b/w conversion. Each has its own qualities and in the end I would think it all comes down to personal preference. I tried some different presets, a green filter looked the best but end the end I stuck with the desaturated version. Looks a bit cold and Wintery.
There is a full moon tonight, though I am going to wait till it gets warmer out. Soon enough, warmer weather is approaching!
Thanks for stopping by! Till next time…
Twilight and Dusk 
Wow, wonderful images of the Hawk!
Where I am we feel like we were jipped out of winter. Enjoy it while you still have it! 🙂
We really did not get any snow and I did miss that part of it, but the cold… my bones are in need of warmth…. good luck with the dog hunt. We have a Newfoundland, one big furry mess of love.
Thank you. Newfies are lovely! Never had one, but seem like lots and lots to snuggle with. 🙂 To be honest I’m glad we don’t have that bone chilling cold here, I remember it from living back on the east coast and in UK, not fun.
I am with you! Please Winter…go…and let the warmth of Spring come in.