Hawaiian Hawk ('Io) by Punaguy
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No AI - This artwork was created entirely by hand or with traditional digital tools.
Description
While shooting around my yard I saw a blur out of the corner of my eye and was pleased to see a Hawaiian Hawk land in a tree in near me. I ran in the house for my telephoto lense and fully expected it to be gone by the time I got back. To my surprise he hung around for a few cameo's. These hawks rarely land near populated areas so I was elated to capture him.
Canon 10D 100-400mm
Aperture 5.0 Shutter 1/90
Hawaiian Hawk
(Buteo solitarius)
Although the Hawaiian Archipelago was once home to an eagle, a harrier, and a hawk, only the Hawaiian Hawk, or 'Io, managed to survive the human colonization of the Hawaiian Islands. Today, the Hawaiian Hawk is listed as a federally endangered species, threatened by illegal shooting, harassment of nesting birds, and degradation of native forest nesting habitat.
Identification
Hawaiian Hawk is the only species of hawk found in Hawaii. It has two different color morphs--one light and one dark--which are roughly equal in abundance. Dark-morph adults are dark brown overall (often appearing black in the field), with a gray tail lightly barred with brown. Light-morph adults are also brown above and have a gray tail, but they have pale underparts with brown streaks on the breast. Immature light-morph birds are a striking golden buff on the head and breast with dark upperparts.
Distribution and Population Trends
This species is endemic to the island of Hawai'i, although vagrants occasionally wander to Maui, O'ahu, and Kaua'i.
Population estimates for Hawaiian Hawk range from 1,600 to 2,700 individuals. It is difficult to assess population trends for this species due to a lack of information on historical numbers.
Many thanks for all your kind comments on my previous posts..Aloha to All
Comments (27)
This is just an amazing capture. That Hawaiian Hawk seems to have that Cameo's spirit and is full of life. A Most Beautiful Capture I say. Maika'i Loa. Aloha
Amazing shot of this mighty bird !! A perfect double, awesome !! :o)
ONE STUNNING MAGESTIC BIRD !! never seen a hawwian hawk ..been to Hawaii twice ..and love it there.. this capture is another fantastic AND wonderous one!!.. it soars!! !
v nice shots + interesting info
Gorgeous bird!!! Simply one amazing capture too (well...two amazing captures, LOL) Excellent work!!!!! Have a great day #:o)
Ooooo great capture. Fantastic animal.
Wow..this is fantastic !!! Vote !!!
oh fantastic montage excellent pov.. beautiful regal shot...love the information also... superb compo...:)
excellent capture again! :)
This is my first time to see your images. You have given us a wonderful picture of the hawk! Too often the animal is seen and the memory is only in our eye and heart; I am glad the bird stayed long enough for you to get the pictures. Thanks for the info on this lovely raptor. We wish the Hawaiian Hawk well in a possibly difficult future. TomDart
What a magnificent bird! The quality of your shot is so good that I feel I could reach out and touch him (not that he would let me, of course!) Wonderful work :)
very cool shot Dave, there are hawks in my area that i've been trying to capture for months but alas no luck...so i'll just sit back and enjoy yours! outstanding capture!!!
wonderful shot Dave maybe he had an eye on something in your yard!!
A wonderful shot of this hawk. Thanks for the info.
splendid shots!! congrats :] dif from the ones here *aloha!
Beautiful capture of this fantastic bird !!!! Wow ! ;)
What a wonderful prize for you - and you've found a way to honor its appearance in your life, by sharing it with all of us, worldwide, who are absolutely loopy for raptors. The two views add much to this excellent and rare presentation. Pudgy lil' fella, huh?
Excellent cappture!!! perfect light and clearness!!! Bravo!
Super capture!!!!!! What a great day for you!!! Excellent work, I've never seen a Hawaiian hawk either, thanks!!!!!!!
Love this top one, cool POV!
What a great capture..they are fantastic! Great shot V :)
"Developed" to hunt. Great shots of this beauty!
Very impressive shots, pity they're on the danger list for they're beautiful and unique birds! Excellent work!
wow! awesome capture! fantastic sharpness and impressive captures of this wonderful hawk! perfect in all aspects! ;o)
excellent wildlife photography and presentation. !!!!!!!!!! #:O) !!!!!!!!!!
Glad he stuck around for a photo shoot! A very handsome hawk, I can imagine how pleased you'd be with these pics. Its the same way with the hawks around here, they never actually land, they just fly over. Excellent portraits, nice and sharp =)
Hurray for your, a fortuitous capture. Great shots and info!