The Galápagos hawk is the apex predator on the Galápagos Islands — meaning it is at the top of the food chain and has no natural predators. Even so, it is an endangered species and there are only about 150 mating pairs left in existence. This has to do with human disturbance to their natural habitat, a dwindling food supply, and predation by humans. All that being said, we saw quite a few of them, including this guy that we ran into on the island of Rábida. We were on a hike and he seemed very intrigued by us, following us for quite some time, landing next to us and then turning his head from side to side while he looked from face to face. Nikon D700 with Nikkor 200-400mm f/4 lens (at 400mm), ISO 400, f/5.6 at 1/1000th of a second (0.67 ev)
I don’t really know. It just kind of looked a little masculine to me. And I think I remember the guide saying that it was a male but it’s usually best not to trust my memory. Males and females are actually quite similar, although like most birds of prey, the male is a bit smaller.
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When I opened the file I found myself turning my head to the right to view the hawk. 🙂 What a fantastic shot!
AWESOME!
WOW. love how inquisitive he is! I did the same thing as Rachel. Question, how is it you know it is a male?
I don’t really know. It just kind of looked a little masculine to me. And I think I remember the guide saying that it was a male but it’s usually best not to trust my memory. Males and females are actually quite similar, although like most birds of prey, the male is a bit smaller.
What a handsome and silly bird you captured! Love it.
p.s. Happy New Year Sean!
Happy New Year’s to you too, Señorita Cole.
Love this guy. Amazing as always Crane.
Oh ya. And it’s a bird!!! :/
go figure
Love the head tilt!
Yep.
WOW, amazing and spectacular image! The realism is incredible, as if you could reach out and touch or he reach out and nip :).