Do Big Birds Hate Me?

[jeremyandemily]

I took a trip into the Catskill Mountains last weekend to find and shoot the illusive bald eagle. My shots came out quite pathetic as all the eagles I saw knew somehow to position themselves 500 yards from me on private property (and apearantly foot-zoom is just as illegal as killing a bald eagle).

As for the hawks I saw, they all could sense my presence from 100 yards away as well (and I thought I took after Daniel Boon when it comes to stealth). What gives? How do I get closer/better shots?

These were both shot with my 200mm x 1.4TC.

http://wildernessmedicinedoc.smugmug.com/photos/266336866_VmErY-M.jpg

http://wildernessmedicinedoc.smugmug.com/photos/266336904_Z9D6c-M.jpg

[thegridrunner]

maybe you need bait?:dunno

[jeff lapoint]

The short answer is yes. One of the very first things I learned from Harry is that birds are evil, approach when you are changing lenses and offer only a butt shot as they fly away.

Thats the bad news, but the good news is when the planets align and you do get a great shot it all seems worth it.

Your stalking technique will get better with time and you'll learn some cues from the birds when they are about to flush. The biggest thing though in my opinion is being in a target rich environment and understanding the birds in that environment. I used to think Montezuma was too spread out but I just didnt understand the patterns of the hawks in that area yet. Now I know where they can reliably be found throughout the day. They still are pretty skittish though and I'm forced to bag stalking on foot and have had to use my car as a blind.
Looks like the Catskills had some opportunity but to be fair you only had one shooting day or so there and thats barely enough time to get familiar with a spot.

Keep in mind we're in Upstate NY and not SoCal or Florida where the concentration of birds is much greater is some areas. I wish we could just zip over to Bolsa Chica or Ding Darling but we have to fxn with what we gots:dunno (I hear the Ontario Shore is the place to be during spring migration...around Braddock Bay. However, thats from the birders and their requirements are far less stringent then ours. "hey I see a BE 800 yards away", "Cool, count it")

HTH,

-j

[Ric Grupe]

There is NO way to sneak up on a raptor.....none.

Patience....be where they WILL be....and don't sneeze.:D

[dbaker1221]

yeah most hawks & eagles don't care for us photogs. Keep trying you'll land some.:clap

[jonh68]

I have found using the car is the best way to get shots of hawks. They are used to cars and don't pay them much attention. When you get out, they fly. I was fortunate to find ONE that did not fly and I was able to get under it while it sat on a telephone poll.

I have found the best shots of ospreys is to go to their nest. They tend to build close to easily accessible areas and they can put on a show around their nest. You just have to be ready.

[Harryb]

The bad news is that 200m won't cut it raptors. You need 400mm at the very least and even then you will probably be doing some serious cropping.

If you know where the big guys will be consider renting some longer glass for your shoot.

[Jim T]

I have to agree with Harry, I'm finding 300mm is too short for most of what I want to shoot. I've been looking at the 100-400L with 1.4 tele. The main hurdle is my wife and that darn look she give me!:cry

[Maestro]

They don't hate YOU, but humans in general are not their preferred species with which to make friends. That is the case with most raptors. I have to travel three hours here in Texas just to find a place where the photo opportunities for eagles are favorable; other than that, it is just luck, patience and skill.

I also agree on the lens. A 400mm is the bare minimum.

[jeremyandemily]

Thanks for all the comments. Seems like these birds are so much smarter than I had originally thought. They will definitely make a formidable challenge for me and I'm already musing over ways to get them closer.

My glass budget for Q1 is definitely full after my last (and first) purchase. I think my next purchase will be a prime lens in the 400mm or 500mm flavor.