Full frame

Excellent

I've only seen one in the wild ever, and this was this last spring just outside of Yellowstone. And it disappeared before I had my camera ready. Great shot.

Thank you. He was in hiding today, so no good photos tonight.

Thank you

Thank you

The profile.
#birds #birding #birdphotography #chicagobirder #photography #nature #naturephotography #nikon #raptors #birdsofprey #hawks #cooperhawk #urbanwildlife

At full attention.
#birds #birding #birdphotography #chicagobirder #photography #nature #naturephotography #nikon #raptors #birdsofprey #hawks #cooperhawk #urbanwildlife

My wife says she prefers this one because it "breaks away" from what I typically capture.
#birds #birding #birdphotography #chicagobirder #photography #nature #naturephotography #nikon #raptors #birdsofprey #hawks #cooperhawk #urbanwildlife

It was a great blue heron day today.
#birds #birding #birdphotography #birdwatching #nature #naturephotography #nikon #photography #heron #greatblueheron #bluesky #water #urbanwildlife

Thank you

Thank you. I was thankful for how long he posed.

Thank you. Yes we are. In Chicago actually.

Thank you.

Goodnight.
#birds #birding #birdphotography #chicagobirder #photography #nature #naturephotography #nikon #raptors #birdsofprey #hawks #cooperhawk #urbanwildlife

He gave me more poses than I would have expected.
#birds #birding #birdphotography #chicagobirder #photography #nature #naturephotography #nikon #raptors #birdsofprey #hawks #cooperhawk #urbanwildlife

We have a strong mix of red tail and Cooper hawks around here. I've seen red shoulder hawks before as well but is the odd exception. It seems the various species will carve out territory for themselves.

Thank you. Raptor season is now in full swing here.

Captured him on 3 different perches as he hunted.
#birds #birding #birdphotography #chicagobirder #photography #nature #naturephotography #nikon #raptors #birdsofprey #hawks #cooperhawk #urbanwildlifephotography

He posed real nice for me.
#birds #birding #birdphotography #chicagobirder #photography #nature #naturephotography #nikon #raptors #birdsofprey #hawks #cooperhawk #urbanwildlifephotography

Thank you. There was a lot of hunting today.

They've been hunting with a purpose as of late.

Thank you. I had an amazing day

Thank you

Swoosh.
#birds #birding #birdphotography #chicagobirder #photography #nature #naturephotography #nikon #raptors #birdsofprey #hawks #redtailhawk #urbanwildlifephotography

Just a yellow bellied sap sucker.
#birds #birding #birdphotography #chicagobirder #photography #nature #naturephotography #nikon #yellowbelliedsapsucker #urbanwildlifephotography

The hula skirts are back in style.
#birds #birding #birdphotography #chicagobirder #photography #nature #naturephotography #nikon #raptors #birdsofprey #hawks #redtailhawk #urbanwildlifephotography

Gaining speed.
#birds #birding #birdphotography #chicagobirder #photography #nature #naturephotography #nikon #raptors #birdsofprey #hawks #redtailhawk #urbanwildlifephotography

I had a pretty good birding morning.
#birds #birding #birdphotography #chicagobirder #photography #nature #naturephotography #nikon #raptors #birdsofprey #hawks #redtailhawk #urbanwildlifephotography

Great shot. You captured the feather details perfectly.

Thank you. That hawk was doing some serious hunting.