Monday, January 31, 2011

Perched Red-tailed Hawk, Point Reyes National Seashore

Red-tailed hawk, Point Reyes National Seashore - Pat Ulrich Wildlife Photography

A red-tailed hawk perched on a fence post along Sir Francis Drake Blvd in Point Reyes National Seashore. My wife came along for this trip a few weeks ago, and our mantra of the outing was "Skunked Again" as the fog kept moving around and seemingly leaving me with terrible light every time we saw something interesting. After checking out the elk up at Tomales Point, we decided to drive over to Drake's Beach to take a look at the bull elephant seals that have been hauling out there. It's almost always a given that you'll see raptors perched along the agricultural fences on the way (or at least quail or maybe some song-birds) but we saw absolutely nothing on the way there (skunked again!). Then after enjoying some time sitting on the beach with some shorebirds (and awful high-contrast mid morning light) we decided to head out. Then, thankfully, to ensure that I didn't leave the park empty handed, this hawk graciously posed on its perch along the roadside.

5 comments:

  1. Thanks, Dominic! They are such regal birds for sure!

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  2. "skunked again" -- love it!
    Better then 'foiled again' :-)
    That is a beautiful portrait.

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  3. Thanks, duck-or-grouse! I give my wife full credit for the skunked again comment, I think its really funny as well!

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