Welcome to the majestic world of red-shouldered hawks! As a professional photographer and avid storyteller, I’ve observed and photographed these stunning birds of prey in their natural habitat. Nestled high in a pine tree, their annual nesting ritual provides a captivating opportunity for photographers to capture their grace and beauty. In this blog post, I’ll share some invaluable tips based on my experiences photographing red-shouldered hawks, particularly during their nesting season.

1. Know Your Subject: Before embarking on your photography expedition, take the time to research red-shouldered hawks. Understanding their behavior, nesting habits, and preferred surroundings will significantly enhance your ability to anticipate their movements and capture compelling shots.
2. Location Scouting: Familiarize yourself with the nesting site of the red-shouldered hawks. As you mentioned, they often build their nests about 60 feet up in a pine tree. Scout the area beforehand to identify ideal vantage points and angles for photographing the nest and its inhabitants.
3. Timing is Key: The most opportune moments for photographing red-shouldered hawks are during their nesting season, especially when the adults are actively tending to their nestlings. Monitor the nest regularly to determine the best times of day for photography, such as early morning or late afternoon when the lighting is soft and flattering.
4. Patience and Persistence: Wildlife photography requires patience and persistence. Spend ample time observing the red-shouldered hawks from a distance to avoid disturbing them. Be prepared to wait for the perfect shot, as capturing intimate moments of their behavior often requires time and dedication.
5. Use a Telephoto Lens: Given the height of the nest and the need to maintain a respectful distance, a telephoto lens is essential for photographing red-shouldered hawks. Invest in a quality telephoto lens with a focal length of at least 300mm to capture close-up shots without encroaching on their space. I typically use 600mm and then have to crop a little.
6. Focus on Composition: When framing your shots, pay attention to composition. Experiment with different angles and perspectives to create visually engaging images. Consider incorporating elements of the surrounding environment, such as the intricate patterns of the pine tree branches, to add depth and context to your photographs.
7. Be Mindful of Lighting: As with any form of photography, lighting is crucial in capturing stunning images of red-shouldered hawks. Aim to shoot during the golden hours of sunrise and sunset for soft, warm lighting that enhances the natural beauty of your subjects.
8. Capture Action Shots: Red-shouldered hawks are active and agile birds, making them perfect subjects for action shots. Be ready to capture dynamic moments such as takeoffs, landings, and interactions between the adults and their fledglings.
9. Respect Wildlife Ethics: While photographing red-shouldered hawks, prioritize their well-being and adhere to ethical guidelines for wildlife photography. Avoid causing undue stress or disturbance to the birds, and always respect their natural behavior and habitat.
10. Tell Their Story: As a storyteller, use your photography to convey the captivating narrative of the red-shouldered hawks and their nesting journey. Document their physical beauty and the connections and interactions unfolding within the nest.

In conclusion, photographing red-shouldered hawks offers a rewarding opportunity to capture these magnificent birds’ raw beauty and elegance. By following these tips and approaching your photography with patience, respect, and creativity, you can create stunning images that showcase the unique charm of red-shouldered hawks and inspire others to appreciate and protect their natural habitat. So grab your camera, venture into the wilderness, and let the magic of wildlife photography unfold before your lens!