Since I was a young lad I have been fascinated with these awesome raptors.

Red-tailed hawk

My dad would take me for a drive out to a farm south of Cayuga Ontario, to pick up an order of beef. During the drive, we would pass by several of these beauties, and from there, I told my dad that one day I would be photographing these birds.

So, over the years, I have worked on a technique to have such opportunities. These birds are super skittish, so once we make eye contact, the show is almost over!

This bird gave me a fair chance, I had about 10 seconds with it, and from there, I had to get off the middle of the road! Car was coming!

55 shots later, I decided to edit this one, and delete 52 of them.

This is a gorgeous adult in prime plumage, fairly confident, and the background made this shot a must catch, so I was ready with all my settings as best they could be.

The sun was long gone, so darkness was near, so any hope for a flight shot was slim to none. Eventually it took off to a high tree location well off the road for even more opportunities.

Niagara, Ontario. Thanks for looking, and feel free to share!