Red Tail Hawks offer a large variety of intriguing looks. But every now and then an exceptionally endowed model appears to light up the Red Tail Fashion Show Runway...or flyway, as the case may be. In any case, when Red Tail Hawks put on a show it is a show well worth seeing.
As always, nearly all my photos are captured within about 15 miles of my home in the Flint Hills of Kansas. The following sequences of photos were shot 3/3,13,14/2023.
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At home on my range not all days are shiny and bright. Sometimes the skies are cloudy all day. Red Tail Hawks put on a show almost every day if you go to whatever lengths are necessary to see it.
A Red Tail Hawk (hiding in plain sight) is perched with discretion on a t-post in front of a dark background along Highway 99S in Greenwood County, Kansas. It might sit there quietly, unless you slow down to stop. Then…
it’s off to the races for better cover! This guy looks like he bolted out of the barber chair when the skinhead look was only half done! But the show must go on.
Our runway show pics were chosen with pose priority rather than technical perfection. You tend to get more interesting poses after a hawk has bolted and put distance between you and it. Like many other natural beings it may decide to turn around in order to measure just what level of threat you are. THAT is when you have a chance to get the best pics of a hawk coming in the check you out.
Red Tail starting it’s flight down the runway.
A good model shows off its attractive curves from different angles.
This model likes showing off the sly, long, lanky look while hoping for a sign of approval.
An occasional tease as though turning to leave spurs the observers to increase applause, and the model usually responds to that in a big way.
When applause is enthusiastic the model exhibits a rush of blush.
An experienced model makes sure to always show off it’s best profile view.
If a particular pose is working an experienced model goes back to it repeatedly.
Flashing a big, bright, smile for all its admiring fans.
Our model incites the crowd by hinting at an after-the-show reward. That is the signal to turn on the bright lights.
The brightest lights are turned on to make the model sparkle.
The model knows to look this way and that way so each onlooker thinks you are looking just for them.
Heading back to exit the runway.
Whirling around for a final spin shows off all its Red Tail glory.
That closes the Red Tail show, but now it is time for YOUR show. Light it up!
