Hawk who just took off.

[George McGovern]

[livetohike]

1. Wow! Great shot! n/t

[George McGovern]

3. Thanks so much livetohike! First response in my head: "I lucked out." But it wasn't luck. It was serendipity.

I love your username. Would you mind how you came up with it please?

Thanks,

"George"

[livetohike]

7. It was a toss up between livetohike and lovetocanoe.

Both express my hobbies/free time choices. I’m long retired now, still do both at 73. Admittedly, when I joined DU in 2004, I was hiking further and at elevation (in California). Now we live in the low country of SC hiking through swamps

[George McGovern]

9. Oh Wow -- What memories you have, livetohike. And beautiful photographs.

In my twenties I invested some time hiking a section of The Long Trail in VT, another summer on the AT from CT into ME. A decade later I took a three-day-weekend from work to return to ME. A co-worker lent me her lakeside cabin not far from Mt. Katahdin and set aside a day to climb the mountain.

It took the whole day. A hot August day. But what a day. I'll never forget making the hike; in particular getting through and across the scary Knife
Edge and the daunting Chimney.

Recently I watched a movie titled "Lost on a Mountain in Maine" (online for free for amazon prime members). Check it out. Remarkable story, well-done film. Any hiker can appreciate what that twelve-year-old boy went through.

I envy your stamina and determination. I've not worn hiking boots in four decades. I'm seventy-three as well. Memories remain nonetheless. Good,
bad, indifferent. But mostly recollections of success.

[livetohike]

15. You've had some epic hikes! We dreamed about hiking the AT.

We lived one mile from the AT when we lived in NY. We only hiked in both directions for day hikes. I liked to sit there and meet the occasional thru hiker.

We took a year off in our 20’s and camped around the US and Canada. We hiked in many National and State parks and forests. I wish I was in that kind of shape again.

I hope nothing ever takes my memory away.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

2. Beautiful shot! Love those expansive wings, my dear George! Thank you.

[George McGovern]

4. You are welcome Peggy. It was serendipity, with a hint of right place, right time. Thank You!

[SheltieLover]

5. Wow!

Gorgeous bird & great pix

[George McGovern]

6. Ty SL!!!!

[HeartsCanHope]

8. Beautiful photo of a beautiful bird!

Thanks so much for posting it.

[George McGovern]

10. Oh you're welcome HeartsCanHope! Thank You for being a bird lover!

[lark]

11. Right time, right place and smart and lucky you to catch it so perfectly! nt

[George McGovern]

16. Not to mention an incredible camera and zoom lens. Thank You Very Much lark!!!

[Diamond_Dog]

12. What a breathtaking shot!

Those raptors are simultaneously beautiful and dangerous looking to me.

[George McGovern]

17. Yup I'd much prefer to shoot 'em from distance Diamond_Dog. Thanks So Much! Hugs to Sophie!

[3auld6phart]

13. Good catch

Love your pic

[George McGovern]

18. Thank You Kindly 3auld6phart! Love your username! Would you mind explaining its significance?

[3auld6phart]

20. Swiped

The name form the auldphart ,s Pipe band from Penticton BC a small group Pipers a drummers more or less from marching Bands due to age inching my self … 1936 working my way to 90…Penticton boys call themselves the Auldpharts…I miss my time with the Pipe Band,, Are you the Democratic politician ? I follow US politics a little bit. Just curious. Love your pics all the same plus BonArts the forest rangers pics.

[George McGovern]

22. That I "am" 3auld6phart. Reason is --

I chose George McGovern for my username because I voted wholeheartedly for him for president. Broke my heart when he lost. I consider Mr. McGovern the greatest president who never was.

I suspected yours had something to do with "old fart." I've never listened to a pipe band. What instrument did you play? Was yours a marching band? It sounds like you were a part of a musical family, which could be rewarding and great fun.

In came along in 1952 in Hartford, Connecticut. I congratulate your approaching 90. Never been to Canada, but I'd love to sometime or another. I have to say, young fella, with the state of American politics emigration is a consideration.

Do you have a spare room? (just kidding). Thanks of your kind comments!

"George"

[3auld6phart]

25. Bass beater

I am the big drum beater, keeping time. Use to do trips south for your 4th July Republic and Colville W… Canadian holidays, Remembtance Day … our group play with local Bands . Penticton, Nelson Trail…..
We don’t do the WA s rate at present. …Army pipe Bands ,aspiring piper
Without getting involved with the present state of affairs., you
Get my drift, sad times indeed… This will pass soon.

[brer cat]

14. Great shor, Allan!

[George McGovern]

19. Much Appreciated brer cat!

[LoisB]

21. Great photograph, beautiful bird. Thank you.

[George McGovern]

23. Awww, Thank You Young Lady. You're welcome!

[LoisB]

24. Thank you. Not so young anymore - turned 79 two days ago, feeling my age today.

[George McGovern]

29. You're welcome. I hope Happy Birthday is still okay to say. Thanks!

[LoisB]

34. Thank you.

[Bayard]

26. Great shot!

Do you know what kind of hawk?

[George McGovern]

30. Thank You Bayard. Base on this online photo of a Cooper's Hawk, that's my guess. Thanks!

[MustLoveBeagles]

28. Beautiful

[George McGovern]

31. Thank You MustLoveBeagles

[usonian]

32. Oh, that's incredible timing, lighting, everything!

Please share details. I am an optics nut (I did optical engineering) and no EXIF info, so I'm asking. Regardless of details, you seem to have a steady hand, which is a great sign.

Love it.

[George McGovern]

33. Thanks for your kind complement usonian. Getting that picture was a special moment.

Unfortunately I lost the EXIF over time making copies of the image. All I can tell you is that the camera used was an Olympus E-M1 Mark II with an Olympus 40-150mm f/2.8 Pro set for 15 frames per second. The shot shown was the 3rd or 4th of several taken.

[usonian]

35. Thanks for the info.

In my world, I don't go beyond 200mm full frame with the Nikon Z lenses, but two things:

1. I use a Coolpix for focal lengths beyond 200. The entire camera is cheaper than a long lens for interchangeable lens cameras.

2. All my Nikkor lenses from the 70's on work with the FTZ adapter.

My last Olympus was a Pen-F. I gave it to my Mom, who took great photos, Manual focus and match-needle metering and all.