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Through thick and thin
Through thick and thin
Dennisheckman


Photograph Information Photographer's Comments
Challenge: Free Study 2015-05 (Advanced Editing VII)
Camera: Canon EOS-1D X
Lens: Canon EF 600mm f/4.0 IS II USM
Location: Home, balcony railing
Date: May 9, 2015
Aperture: f/9.5
ISO: 2000
Shutter: 1/60
Date Uploaded: May 27, 2015

 It was Mothers Day eve. The forecast was calling for 3-4 inches of snow overnight in Denver and surrounding areas. The forecast for the mountains above 10,000 feet was 18 to 24 inches. It started to become a reality around 8PM that evening. But, an hour before the snow started falling, this very brave hawk had perched himself on the railing of our balcony. Our house has somewhat of an elevated view from the rear and he was there searching for dinner. This was not the first time he blessed us with a visit. I would estimate he visited at least 4-6 times prior. Each time we saw him, we would be very quiet with no sudden movements. Each time, I was able to open the door all the way open so I could set my camera/tripod right inside my living room about 14 feet away. What a thrill. When it started raining, he paid no attention from what I could tell. He just started getting wetter and wetter until the water was dripping from his beak. Great photo opportunity. Now my family thinks the birds have unheard conversations about how I take bird portraits, so they come to my house. Silly of course, but it has been fun.

Statistics
Place: 14 out of 157
Avg (all users): 6.5513
Avg (commenters): 9.0000
Avg (participants): 6.3500
Avg (non-participants): 7.2222
Views since voting: 475
Views during voting: 126
Votes: 78
Comments: 8
Favorites: 0

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AuthorThread
 06/11/2015 07:41:47 PM
What a beautiful creature, and how fortunate indeed you are to have this hawk visit you.
It's an exceptional image, and is not on the front page only because it is in exceptional competition.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 06/08/2015 01:28:50 PM
Dennis, this is another amazing bird shot from you! I also think it should have placed much higher. Incredible!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 06/08/2015 07:58:17 AM
I'm shocked this isn't on the front page. There must be a growing anti-bird faction on DPC now?? Still, congrats on a great photo. Go Hit Squad!!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 06/08/2015 06:13:59 AM
Great shot, Dennis. Should have done much better.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 Comments Made During the Challenge
06/07/2015 10:44:01 PM
Gorgeous portrait. I love the water droplets.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 06/07/2015 10:14:44 PM
Wonderful! (not voting)
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 06/07/2015 04:50:58 PM
Great details on this one.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 06/07/2015 11:33:56 AM
Everything about this shot is perfect. I love shooting wildlife in the rain. My number one pick for the challenge. My only suggestion would have been to have a little a more space above the head. Also, as a 4/3 shooter I can't help but wonder if it would look better in that crop.
  Photographer found comment helpful.


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