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San Diego Real Estate Photo Blog - And Then There Was Only One

By
Industry Observer with Retired

San Diego Real Estate Photo Blog - And Then There Was Only One

I was outside early the other morning watering the plants on the back patio and a flock of black crows , our local birds of prey commonly found here in inland San Diego, came swooping in making a huge racket. 

Having experienced this before, I put down the watering hose and ran in the house to grab my camera. I knew from past experiences with crows swooping and hollering ,10-15 in this case, that they were chasing either an owl or a hawk and I wanted to see if I could get a photo. But in the past by the time I reacted, the interesting subject had flown off already.

I got the camera set to on and with me leaning over the fence whistling at them, the crows started to fly off. One by one they left and I spotted what I was looking for. And then there was only one. The hawk. A young hawk sitting in a tree quite a ways out from me but with the telephoto lens I spotted him and took his photo. I guess he saw me as I was clicking away and decided I was no safer to be around than the crows. I have no idea what kind of hawk this is but he looks very attractive in his beautiful spotted tan feather coat.

Sadly he flew off before I could assure him he was safe now. I linked this photo to the list of Birds of Prey from the San Diego Natural History Museum list of the local Birds of Prey in San Diego County. Regretfully no photo to match up but I will discover what kind of bird he is and change the post. But he was beautiful no matter his species ( variety).

 

 

 

 

 

 

If you are Buying, Selling or Relocating to San Diego and need help from a professional REALTOR®, give me a call or visit my San Diego Real Estate website and  sign up for Listing alerts for your favorite San Diego Home and Condominium Property Searches.

 

 

I specialize in Single Family Homes and Condominiums throughout the coast and inland areas of San Diego. Some of those communities are  La Jolla, University Town Center, Bay Park, Mission Valley, Pacific Beach, Scripts Ranch, Poway, Carmel Mountain Ranch, Rancho Bernardo, Rancho
Penasquitos,Carmel Valley and Solona Beach
.  If I didn't mention a city or community that you are interested in, just let me know  and i will find you an expert for that community as well.

        Need Help and Guidelines for Buying or Selling a Home ? Check out my new " Voice of San Diego Real Estate Blog "

                                               Copyright © 2009 William Johnson author of The Real Estate Text Book

 

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Comments (14)

Gary Coles (International Referrals)
Venture Realty International - Las Vegas, NV
Latin America Real Estate

William,  I like your photo of the hawk.  I know how difficult it is to get a good photo of them.  Thanks for sharing.

Nov 01, 2009 04:27 PM
William Johnson
Retired - La Jolla, CA
Retired

Hi Gary, I was sure I could get it if I could find him and with the lens scanning back and forth, I was just lucky. A handsome little guy, I'd say. When I had my Yorkies and they would go out in the grass, I was always worried with all the crows and the occasion hawk. One was only 2.5 lbs and I always had to hover them for fer they would swoop down. Thankfully that never happened.

Nov 01, 2009 04:39 PM
Jon Zolsky, Daytona Beach, FL
Daytona Condo Realty, 386-405-4408 - Daytona Beach, FL
Buy Daytona condos for heavenly good prices

William,

the birds is so close, and you said you used telephoto lens, what do you use, 400 or more? I can never get that close.

Nov 01, 2009 04:51 PM
William Johnson
Retired - La Jolla, CA
Retired

Hi Jon,

I used a 300 mm lens and then cropped a close up. He was very out and away from me but I was lucly to have found him in the lens.

Nov 01, 2009 04:58 PM
Bill Gassett
RE/MAX Executive Realty - Hopkinton, MA
Metrowest Massachusetts Real Estate

Wow what a big beauty you have captured William. You are certainly a pro with the camera!

Nov 01, 2009 11:11 PM
Debi Boucher
Real Estate Showcase Photography - Woodland Park, CO
"Realtor Showcase" - Real Estate Photography/Virtual Tours

Hi William - Great capture! I have only one shot of a hawk - so I understand how exciting it is to get one ! I don't know what he is either - but he's a beauty :)

Debi

Nov 02, 2009 12:32 AM
William Johnson
Retired - La Jolla, CA
Retired

Hi Bill, Just an armature Bill. But thank you for your kind comment. I noticed that I like taking pictures of nature and animals more than houses and people. This could be a real problem if you get my meaning. The problem lies in my perception. In nature and scenery, I see them as perfect even with its uniqueness ( some might see flaws) . Most homes are not that unique and the flaws stick out and spoils the picture, :-).  I need an attitude adjustment,lol.

Nov 02, 2009 01:48 AM
William Johnson
Retired - La Jolla, CA
Retired

Hi Debi, Considering that these large birds have been flying in and out of my area for years and I never could quite see exactly. I have a story to tell about an owl that frequents a tree out in back of where I live. I won't write that story until I can capture a photo of him or a likeness. But the words up " close and personal" don't even begin to expound on the story.

Nov 02, 2009 01:53 AM
Myrl Jeffcoat
Sacramento, CA
Greater Sacramento Realtor - Retired

William - Now that is a VERY BIG young hawk!  That lens of your's gets in so close, that it appears as if you could reach out and touch it. . .The bird that is - not the lens:-)  Amazing photo!

Nov 02, 2009 07:00 AM
Hannah Williams
HomeStarr Realty - Philadelphia, PA
Expertise NE Philadelphia & Bucks 215-820-3376

William..How fortunate are you to have a telephoto lens..What a capture that is..Hawks are such beautiful and fascinating birds..He really blends in to the scenery with his regal stature..Great shot!..thanks..

HELPFULHANNAH your friend in Philadelphia

Nov 02, 2009 07:14 AM
William Johnson
Retired - La Jolla, CA
Retired

Hi Myrl,

Thank you , I was so pleased to locate him after wanting to for a very long time. Nice looking fellow isn't he. Funny. I have no clue as to its gender but I always tend of think all birds of prey are male, LOL. I am sure there are equal numbers of both genders.

Nov 02, 2009 07:39 AM
William Johnson
Retired - La Jolla, CA
Retired

Hi Hannah, When I got my SLR camera, I knew that many things would be possible that otherwise wouldn't be. He is an example. His colors are a real blend aren't they. I always feared these birds around her because of my 2.5lb Yorkie. She passed away this year but I am eying another teacup Yorkie and the fear will return. I always had to stand guard when she was outside in the yard. She loved the sun but I had to stay out with her for fear she would be seem as prey. My neighbors kidded me she would be but a snack once you get past the hair. The thought of it sent shivers up my spine. My neighbors had a cat attached and eaten right in their front yard by a coyote.

Nov 02, 2009 07:47 AM
Diane Aurit
LKN Realty, LLC - Mooresville, NC
Lake Norman Real Estate

Hi William!  Your photography is just wonderful.  Clearly you have found your calling, or at least one of them.  I have been away from AR because of so much work but I found time to visit this morning.  I hope you are doing well!

Nov 08, 2009 11:49 PM
Todd Clark - Retired
eXp Realty LLC - Tigard, OR
Principle Broker Oregon

I've seen the same thing here when there is a murder of crows swooping down. I just can't understand this behavior, they don't really compete for food do they? Crows are scavengers and hawks only go after mice and other live animals, so what is the deal?

Dec 26, 2009 11:06 PM