Mousing Aground

(Red-tailed Hawk)

Birding is practiced in many forms. It’s a matter of focus. “Twitchers” may focus on competitively obtaining the longest life lists; on patiently observing bird behavior; on marking the annual migrations of birds; on preservation and conservation, or, of course, on photography and art.

Last year I was introduced by a friend to Tom Cannon of Santa Cruz, CA. His specialty? Making almost daily records of birds that frequent a nearby marsh and harbor, using only a handheld 200mm telephoto lens and relying on stealth to obtain his remarkable scenes and closeups. 

I’ve already copped to my love for Red-Tails, so when I saw Tom’s closeups of this fellow, I was not only blown away but eager to reproduce one of his photos in digital paint. I received his permission to do so, along with additional images he’d taken at the marsh. We’ve not met in person, but visiting and taking a field trip with him remains a hope for some future day.

In his Red-Tail sequence, Tom caught this individual first low in a tree, then dropping to the ground—most likely having spotted a potential snack. Tom caught the intensity of that focused keen eye as the hawk studied and planned its next move. Serious business.