It is because wild animals do this. It is uncanny and I never expected it! By the time I find them with my camera lens they invariably are looking directly into it! They notice everything.
Yes! They are intense and very focused creatures. They do become curious about humans they live around at The Holler, but I suspect that is because there are so few of us. We are resident anomalies to them.
Oh, Cindy, your stunning photos send us a ***shiver*** down the spine! Fantastic captures. 🙂
Have you read the marvelous “H is for Hawk” by Helen Macdonald? We love it, it’s a must read.
Sending you love and hugs from Norfolk. xox
My gosh. Such synchronicity! Yes of course I read ‘H is for Hawk’ and so did my husband. My son is a big TH White fan, so he read it next. I was en-raptor-ed by by the book, the author, and the goshawk. What an amazing woman. What an incredible book. Then I had to get a book on goshawks! I think I wrote a review on the book for goodreads.
There is another book that is slightly similar titled ‘Fastest Thing on Wings,” about hummingbirds, written by another literature prof, this one at UCLA.
Reblogged this on saywhatumean2say and commented:
Talons & fluff
Soft yet deadly
Raptors are built
to rule the skies!
BEAUTIFUL WORDS TO SUIT BEAUTIFUL PICTURES.
Thank you Cindy. ~~dru~~
Cindy, thank you for the closeups of these magnificent birds! I’ve seen hawks circling here, but I’ve never wanted to get close … even to get a photo of them, ha! That last one looks like he’s laughing at such silliness!!
Reblogged this on Smorgasbord – Variety is the spice of life and commented:
Cindy Knoke captures intimate close ups with the Harris Hawks of the Holler. Such beautiful creatures… but best at arm’s length.
What fine models, you have, and well-behaved. In a way, they appear confident about how good they look. Wonderful photography, Cindy. What an opportunity to see these guys so up-close-and-personal. <3 <3 <3
Who doesn’t love a bird with its beak wide-open like that? Haha! And the “furrowed brow” look, though it has practical purposes too, give them such expression. Lovely images that remind me of my time at that raptor rehabilitation center. A Harris hawk there that was quite the vocalist – like the hawk in the last picture!
I love it when I hear that piercing hawk cry in the sky, especially when they are multiple hawks flying. I would love to visit that center Lynn. I assume it was connected with Cal Poly?
I lived in the Santa Barbara area only from 2005-06… Kind of a vacation time between academic programs. I started a Ph.D. program in Reno, NV in 2006 (which I didn’t finish), but otherwise I would’ve stayed in Santa Barbara!
Yes. I should have known. So we are both UC alums. That explains just a bit of the commonality and connection. Birds explain all the rest. You went to the center of animal science in the state of California.
Had I attended UC Davis as a student, I might've studied animal science and gone on to become a veterinarian (avian). However, I went to UC Berkeley where they actually didn't have as much to offer in this area as UC Davis. In fact, I was disappointed that UC Berkeley listed courses in Comparative (Animal) Psychology in their catalog but never offered an actual course there during my time there. But, oh well, I'm picking up all this knowledge just fine on my own with the Internet and Amazon.com anyways! Haha!
What initially brought me to Davis was my brief stint of time as a law student at McGeorge School of Law in Sacramento and I lived with my sister in Davis who attended the UC for both her undergraduate and graduate work. I also worked at UC Davis in their Department of Education for a brief time as well.
Reblogged this on Random Ramblings; Myriad Musings and commented:
The majestic beauty of the Harris Hawk, captured perfectly by Cindy! Thank you, as always, for sharing these treasures…sheer perfection!
😎
Wow, what amazing photos! You captured some fantastic shots, Cindy, and as I have never seen one of these birds before, it was fantastic to be able to see it in such detail! 🙂
Thank you and I am so glad you appreciate the hawks. They are becoming more rare and their populations is decreasing by 2% annually in the United States.
Oh no.
I know he will be so well cared for by you.
But neither you, nor me, can stand the thought of you facing yet another illness, so soon, of the other creature you love.
You have been so remarkably brave in dealing with the illness and death of your husband.
Please let me know via email (or comment) how Bear does with the procedure. I won’t intrude on you unless you want me to.
I actually care quite a lot about you, because it is rare in this world, to find a person as genuinely sweet and kind and remarkable as you.
Every post I read from you makes me happy you are in this world.
Love to you and Bear~
Ok I will email you! I consider you my friend too! His procedure is two hours long yikes! I’m betting they won’t find anything I hope it’s just major allergies. He seems very healthy. Hugz sweetie
Yes, a talented painter captures essence and transforms it in the way that only a genuine artist can do. A painter creates transcendent depictions of the overwhelming artistry of mother nature and all her creations, including us, and what we create.
Thank you for seeing and knowing the artistry that lie in the heart of these creatures.
Ah, thank you! I have a good zoom lens which helps. My camera is not very pricey, but it’s only needed if you want to take super detailed shots and distance or macro shots.
Cindy, you did some wonder with your camera, believe me! But sometimes is important the “emotion” that you feel when you take pictures… and in yours, I see the love for flora & fauna.
Have a serene weekend :-)claudine
Such a handsome fellow (gal?) and you’ve caught it beautifully! <3 I thought it was a Red-shouldered Hawk before I got down to the bottom of the page. I'm terrible at IDing Buteos…though I should have known it wasn't a Red-shouldered since this is too dark (and not speckly enough). 🙂
It is difficult to id the buteos as you point out, especially when you first see them as the differences can be pretty subtle. Harris Hawks do look similar to melanistic red tail hawks, except of course for the definitive tail! Have a great weekend Teresa & thanks for stopping by~
The details on the last is amazing, being able to see even the water droplets on the feathers. He looks to be a great baritone belting out a song. I imagine, in reality, it was more like a loud yelling screech. Peace.
Every time I hear the distinctive hawk screech, I grab the camera and run outside. Today there was a highly irate red-tail, and he parked on a tree near me, and I got photo after photo of him doing the hawk cry of frustration, which is unusual. He tolerated me for about 12 clicks, and then flew off. There were falcons in the sky in the last two days diving. Mostly they are impossible for me to capture in a photo, which is how they like it, and how I know how intelligent they are. Thank you for noticing and caring.
There is a bald eagle that has taken a liking to the field next door. I keep hoping for some great shots but as I grab my camera and carefully slide the door open — he say no way and takes off. I can just imagine your excitement as you race out to try capture the nearly impossible to capture.
Thanks to your art so consummate, we can enjoy these wonderful photos of birds of an unparalleled beauty. The photos are achieved with a refined quality. Worthy of admiration.
You really got up close and personal with these magnificent raptors. I can see where the term hawkeyed comes from. I wouldn’t want to mess around with these birds. That beak looks mighty powerful and sharp.
=^_^= you always manage to sent a picture with the critter looking right at me.. their stare, is so captivating… their beaks so menacing
It is because wild animals do this. It is uncanny and I never expected it! By the time I find them with my camera lens they invariably are looking directly into it! They notice everything.
These Hawks are scary looking. 🙂
They are!
Such beauty and strength.
Yes. Thank you!
They appear to be creatures with very little on their minds except for their next meal.
Yes! They are intense and very focused creatures. They do become curious about humans they live around at The Holler, but I suspect that is because there are so few of us. We are resident anomalies to them.
Oh, Cindy, your stunning photos send us a ***shiver*** down the spine! Fantastic captures. 🙂
Have you read the marvelous “H is for Hawk” by Helen Macdonald? We love it, it’s a must read.
Sending you love and hugs from Norfolk. xox
P.S.
https://www.theguardian.com/books/2014/jul/23/h-is-for-hawk-helen-macdonald-review
My gosh. Such synchronicity! Yes of course I read ‘H is for Hawk’ and so did my husband. My son is a big TH White fan, so he read it next. I was en-raptor-ed by by the book, the author, and the goshawk. What an amazing woman. What an incredible book. Then I had to get a book on goshawks! I think I wrote a review on the book for goodreads.
There is another book that is slightly similar titled ‘Fastest Thing on Wings,” about hummingbirds, written by another literature prof, this one at UCLA.
Thank you for the tip. I’ll look it up!:-)
Not as powerful as H, but still a fascinating read.
Reblogged this on saywhatumean2say and commented:
Talons & fluff
Soft yet deadly
Raptors are built
to rule the skies!
BEAUTIFUL WORDS TO SUIT BEAUTIFUL PICTURES.
Thank you Cindy. ~~dru~~
Ahh, you are so kind. Thank you for supporting these amazing creatures! <3
I love the Hawk’s magic wand in photo 3!
Oh how perfect! I can see him using it to turn into Merlin and cast some spells!
So majestic looking and then the last photo he takes a yawn
I love the yawn idea! He easily could have been, but he was letting out his piercing hawk cry. warning all to take heed of him!
Love to see them in flight. Don’t want to see him catch anything except for fish and even then…..
Yes. It can be brutal so I understand completely and share your feelings.
Nice photo of a great bird.
Merci beaucoup~
Stunning photos, Cindy 😀
Thank you my friend & cheers to you~
“Eyes like a hawk”
Hawkeye! Doesn’t miss a thing!
🙂
Cindy, thank you for the closeups of these magnificent birds! I’ve seen hawks circling here, but I’ve never wanted to get close … even to get a photo of them, ha! That last one looks like he’s laughing at such silliness!!
Love that imagery! A laughing hawk. Maybe he was!
These are magnificent photo’s Cindy.. just wonderful.. 🙂
Aww, so kind & so appreciated! <3
🙂
The last photo is a classic, Cindy. I can hear the hawk’s heart-stopping scream. –Curt
Exactly! You have seen and heard this before I know. It is unforgettable.
And sends small animals dashing for cover, or freezes them in their tracks!
Bingo, and flocking birds disappear as if by magic, because the hawk is in the sky! They are thrilling creatures~
Seen from a human perspective (grin).
Too true~
Great pictures. What lens are you using?
I use a Sony HX400 which has an adjustable zoom up to 1200mm.
I love this! Truly wonderful.
Makes me happy. Thank you!
Your friends are very chatty. A warm and welcoming community!
Tee hee hee. They are chatty. Welcoming, not so much! Laughing…….
He is NOT amused. 😅 Great captures, Cindy.
Nope! Not even a teeny bit!
I love the little hook on their beaks, Cindy. It makes them look so dangerous. 🙂 I’m happy to share the world with them. Thanks for the great photos.
I love all raptors, so I am glad you do too! Thank you~ <3
Stunning photos, Cindy.
Thank you very much Tom~
sempre grandi immagini, riesci a cogliere le più potenti espressioni
Grazie mille. Si tratta di un predatore guardando molto severo e serio. Sono molto contento che vi piacciano.
What a thrill to see them so close up. Absolutely wonderful. Love them.
And I love you for it! <3
They’re glorious birds Cindy and the photos are great.
xxx Massive Hugs xxx
Thank you David & cheers to you my friend~
“Majestic” says it all!!!
It does. Thank you!
Off topic question. I know wildlife is your passion, but do you have a bank of water images?
Yes I do. You can have any you want. Let me know.
I will send you an email to explain what I’m thinking. Just not sure when I will send it. 😉
No hurry~
Great photos of these magnificent birds. Thank you, Cindy.
Thank you more for appreciating them Isabel & cheers to you my friend~ <3
Impressionante
Obrigada mi amigo!
Aren’t Harris hawks the ones who run around on the ground as part of their hunting strategy?
Yes, and they may hunt cooperatively too. They are one of the more social hawks which enhances their survival through cooperation and collaboration.
Makes them kind of unique in the hawk world. Shades of velociraptor.
Power and beauty – great shots, Cindy!
Thank you Eliza! 🦅
Stunning captures, Cindy!! I felt like I was there watching them! 🔝🔝🔝
Next time you are in SoCal you must stop by The Holler so you can! 🦅
I’d love to visit Holler! 😍🦅 🙂
Pingback: Feathers & Fury~ | Smorgasbord – Variety is the spice of life
Reblogged this on Smorgasbord – Variety is the spice of life and commented:
Cindy Knoke captures intimate close ups with the Harris Hawks of the Holler. Such beautiful creatures… but best at arm’s length.
The 🦅🦅 and I thank you dear Sally! <3
How great in that last shot, to get to see his tongue. A fine flock of photos, Cindy.
So pleased you noticed. Thank you. I am fascinated by the details on wild animals also. 🦅
He’s a noble looking creature, Cindy.
Leslie
Yes that regal sternness is commanding of respect! <3
Definitely!
<3
Great captures! No wonder, USAF named F22 “Raptor”. They rule the sky indeed.
When it comes to flying, it’s all about the raptors!
Hi Cindy! Lovely photos.❤
Merci beaucoup mon ami! 🦅
You’re welcome. Stay save!✌
<3
Awesome shots…love the last one!!
I feel just like he did sometimes! 😉 😉
Beautiful, beautiful shots. I can hear the scream in the last one!
Oh good, because it is so impressive. It alerts everyone to the predator is the sky and all creatures go running, including me, for my camera!
Love the first photo….the eyes look so intelligent and understanding.
Yes, amazing sentience in wild animal eyes and curiosity looking back at us. Thank you for noticing~
There is a big personality in that gorgeous creature!
I love you for recognizing both qualities Dor! <3
What fine models, you have, and well-behaved. In a way, they appear confident about how good they look. Wonderful photography, Cindy. What an opportunity to see these guys so up-close-and-personal. <3 <3 <3
Raptors have got to be some of the most confident creatures on earth. It must come from always looking down on everyone! 😉
Love it. “It must come from always looking down on everyone!” 😉 <3
Those eyes look very serious!
These are serious birds, no flibbety-jippery for them!
What a handsome boy! …. girl?
Only their hairdresser knows for sure~ 😉
Reblogged this on Art, animals, and the earth.
I so admire your passion and advocacy Sharon. Thank you on behalf of all the wild ones~ <3
Wow, these photographs are amazing!
Ah, I am honored. Thank you & cheers too~
Who doesn’t love a bird with its beak wide-open like that? Haha! And the “furrowed brow” look, though it has practical purposes too, give them such expression. Lovely images that remind me of my time at that raptor rehabilitation center. A Harris hawk there that was quite the vocalist – like the hawk in the last picture!
I love it when I hear that piercing hawk cry in the sky, especially when they are multiple hawks flying. I would love to visit that center Lynn. I assume it was connected with Cal Poly?
Hi Cindy, the rehabilitation center I volunteered at was during the time I lived in Davis, CA. Here: http://www.vetmed.ucdavis.edu/calraptor/
I lived in the Santa Barbara area only from 2005-06… Kind of a vacation time between academic programs. I started a Ph.D. program in Reno, NV in 2006 (which I didn’t finish), but otherwise I would’ve stayed in Santa Barbara!
Yes. I should have known. So we are both UC alums. That explains just a bit of the commonality and connection. Birds explain all the rest. You went to the center of animal science in the state of California.
Yeah! 😀 <3
Had I attended UC Davis as a student, I might've studied animal science and gone on to become a veterinarian (avian). However, I went to UC Berkeley where they actually didn't have as much to offer in this area as UC Davis. In fact, I was disappointed that UC Berkeley listed courses in Comparative (Animal) Psychology in their catalog but never offered an actual course there during my time there. But, oh well, I'm picking up all this knowledge just fine on my own with the Internet and Amazon.com anyways! Haha!
What initially brought me to Davis was my brief stint of time as a law student at McGeorge School of Law in Sacramento and I lived with my sister in Davis who attended the UC for both her undergraduate and graduate work. I also worked at UC Davis in their Department of Education for a brief time as well.
Interesting and diverse experiences and exposures explain why you are a renaissance women my friend! <3
As always…you do our wild, feathered friends perfect justice! I’m always awed by your photographs – this is sheer perfection!
😀
<3
Reblogged this on Random Ramblings; Myriad Musings and commented:
The majestic beauty of the Harris Hawk, captured perfectly by Cindy! Thank you, as always, for sharing these treasures…sheer perfection!
😎
I am awed by your kindness & thoughtfulness. These are the most important qualities a person can posses. Thank you my friend & cheers to you~ <3 <3
Thank you kindly! I hope that you have a happy Friday and a wonderful weekend…cheers!
*HUGS*
🙂
<3 <3
Marvellous
Thank you kindly!
So royal and majestic looking! I wonder how you managed to snap such close ups and the one with the twig in front…fanstastic
Sony zoom gets me up close and personal. So happy you enjoyed seeing their details! <3
Three cheers for Sony and Cindy 😀
That rhymes! :0 <3
😉 Yep it does! 😀
I love rhyme and the people who do it~ <3
Awww 💃💃💃
wünsche eine stressfreie Zeit
Danke mein Freund. Vogel sind entspannend zu beobachten und zu fotografieren. <3
Such detail Cindy! Thanks for being so up close and personal with these amazing birds 💛🙏💛
Thank you more for appreciating them Val~ <3
Incredible details in your photos! I wouldn’t mess with these hunters. 🙂
Thank you Brad, and no, you wouldn’t want to make one angry that’s for sure!
So absolutely gorgeous! <3
Ahh, you’re a sweetheart! <3
Wow, what amazing photos! You captured some fantastic shots, Cindy, and as I have never seen one of these birds before, it was fantastic to be able to see it in such detail! 🙂
Thank you and I am so glad you appreciate the hawks. They are becoming more rare and their populations is decreasing by 2% annually in the United States.
Oh, I so love your hawks, Cindy! Wonderful shots <3
Ahh, I love you for loving them~ <3
The best hunting partner man could hope for. 🙂 absolutely amazing creatures.
They are just that and the wild populations is the US are declining by 2% per year.
He is magnificent. Have you check this 9 week old fellow out. He’s about ready to take off. I hope I catch it. https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwjMmsHwz8rSAhVk5oMKHeZUCxYQFggcMAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dickpritchettrealestate.com%2Feagle-feed.html&usg=AFQjCNHEZfc08QBLMkxjGkV2jVVgxdg4dA&sig2=R-cwizgpY8D9rzvBu5Amgg
I end up spending hours of good working time watching him.
He’s gorgeous! I am so glad people are focused on conserving them in the lower 48. We almost lost them all! Thank you for the link!
Intense eyes and wicked beaks! Beautiful raptors! Hugz Cindy! Lisa and Bear
Hugs to U2 and hope all is well! <3
Bear goes in for a procedure tomorrow they are running a scope up his nostril to check his nose out. Poor pooch
Oh no.
I know he will be so well cared for by you.
But neither you, nor me, can stand the thought of you facing yet another illness, so soon, of the other creature you love.
You have been so remarkably brave in dealing with the illness and death of your husband.
Please let me know via email (or comment) how Bear does with the procedure. I won’t intrude on you unless you want me to.
I actually care quite a lot about you, because it is rare in this world, to find a person as genuinely sweet and kind and remarkable as you.
Every post I read from you makes me happy you are in this world.
Love to you and Bear~
Ok I will email you! I consider you my friend too! His procedure is two hours long yikes! I’m betting they won’t find anything I hope it’s just major allergies. He seems very healthy. Hugz sweetie
<3 <3
I am not a professional artist or painter, but these pictures are so beautiful, if only they could be painted, they would also look smashing.
Yes, a talented painter captures essence and transforms it in the way that only a genuine artist can do. A painter creates transcendent depictions of the overwhelming artistry of mother nature and all her creations, including us, and what we create.
Thank you for seeing and knowing the artistry that lie in the heart of these creatures.
They definitely cannot be called “pretty birds” – lol
You are right!
They can be called other things though, like magnificent, which is so much more important then pretty.
That last one sure had a lot to say 😊. Great work, Cindy!
Yes. They just want someone to listen. Thank you.
Nice shots. Hawks seem to have haughtiness built in. Always awesome. 🙂
Maybe that is where all the expressions about height and conceit come from,!
Is this an ad hawk photography? ♡✧。 (⋈◍＞◡＜◍)。✧♡
It’s a haughty hawk post! ♡✧。 (⋈◍＞◡＜◍)。✧♡
Such a beautiful bird!
He thinks you have discerning taste! 😉 😉
Haha thanks 😉
Amazing beautiful pictures! I won’t be able to get such perfection of color and details with my little camera, nor with my cell phone 😉
Ah, thank you! I have a good zoom lens which helps. My camera is not very pricey, but it’s only needed if you want to take super detailed shots and distance or macro shots.
Cindy, you did some wonder with your camera, believe me! But sometimes is important the “emotion” that you feel when you take pictures… and in yours, I see the love for flora & fauna.
Have a serene weekend :-)claudine
Ahhh, so lovely of you! Touched my heart. Thank you~ <3
Such a handsome fellow (gal?) and you’ve caught it beautifully! <3 I thought it was a Red-shouldered Hawk before I got down to the bottom of the page. I'm terrible at IDing Buteos…though I should have known it wasn't a Red-shouldered since this is too dark (and not speckly enough). 🙂
It is difficult to id the buteos as you point out, especially when you first see them as the differences can be pretty subtle. Harris Hawks do look similar to melanistic red tail hawks, except of course for the definitive tail! Have a great weekend Teresa & thanks for stopping by~
Hello Cindy! What a gorgeous bird and you captured its majestic qualities so well. 😀 xx
Ah, so happy you enjoyed him Vashti & have a wonderful weekend my friend~ <3
Powerful pictures, Cindy. 🙂 — Suzanne
Merci beaucoup mon ami~ <3
Oh wow, looking at this bird magnified on my big monitor is awesome!! Beautiful photos Cindy!
The bird is freaking awesome isn’t it. So perfectly designed for what it does. I am in awe of them. Thank you for noticing!
It really is Cindy. How you manage to capture these beautiful creatures is truly a gift. 💗
Your kind appreciation makes it all worthwhile! <3
The details on the last is amazing, being able to see even the water droplets on the feathers. He looks to be a great baritone belting out a song. I imagine, in reality, it was more like a loud yelling screech. Peace.
Every time I hear the distinctive hawk screech, I grab the camera and run outside. Today there was a highly irate red-tail, and he parked on a tree near me, and I got photo after photo of him doing the hawk cry of frustration, which is unusual. He tolerated me for about 12 clicks, and then flew off. There were falcons in the sky in the last two days diving. Mostly they are impossible for me to capture in a photo, which is how they like it, and how I know how intelligent they are. Thank you for noticing and caring.
There is a bald eagle that has taken a liking to the field next door. I keep hoping for some great shots but as I grab my camera and carefully slide the door open — he say no way and takes off. I can just imagine your excitement as you race out to try capture the nearly impossible to capture.
A king, or queen of beasts!
Yes, and so lucky, it can fly away from us, and only stay grounded around us, when it wishes to.
“Soft yet deadly” ~ So true!! They’re gorgeous but can keep their distance from me 😉
Yes, well you are smart, and understand this. They will never hurt you, unless you inadvertently stumble near a nest.
They look magnificent! Love the grey-tipped beaks.
So pleased you see them as I do & cheers to you!
Incredible pictures, Cindy, thank you. I love the drops of water on the bird in the last photo – stunning 🙂
It’s fun to see everything magnified! Pleased you noticed the water droplets. Cheers to you Liz~ <3
super schön, ich wünsche einen super guten Start in die Woche
Vielen dank mein lieber Freund und frohe Woche! <3
Thanks to your art so consummate, we can enjoy these wonderful photos of birds of an unparalleled beauty. The photos are achieved with a refined quality. Worthy of admiration.
Ahh, such a lovely & thoughtful comment. Thank you for touching my <3
You really got up close and personal with these magnificent raptors. I can see where the term hawkeyed comes from. I wouldn’t want to mess around with these birds. That beak looks mighty powerful and sharp.
The beak and the talons make raptors formidable predators! Of course they find us more terrifying….
Magnificent!!!!
Hugs to you dear one!
And to you, my friend! 🤗
Amazing captures Cindy, they are great shots!
Ahh, so nice of you & most appreciated too! Cheers to you Debbie~
Those birds look really majestic. 🙂
Thank you they are just that! Cheers to you both~ <3
Thank you, Cindy. 🙂
<3
These are the photos I will use this month in the GreenFriends newsletter. Thanks so much.
Ahhh, I am humbled and honored! Thank you my friend for all the good you do~ <3