… there is a universal manner to settle disputes which crosses the lines of all species and that is combat … food gathering is also a necessity common to all species.
In the photo above we have a coopers hawk that has found captured, de-feathered and is consuming its dinner … quail … we like them too! coopers hawks primarily dine on other birds.
In the photo below we have a coopers hawk in combat with a pair of crows that delight in terrorizing other creatures in the neighborhood. The coopers hawks are favorite targets, but usually the coopers hawk comes out on top in these disputes. I have a photo of the same birds in the same tree on another day in which I got a sequence where a crow was coming in for an attack on the perched coopers hawk and the hawk reared back and body slammed the crow as he came buy, sending him tumbling through the air towards the ground.
We used to have ravens in the neighborhood, but quite a few years ago a large group (murder) of crows moved in and chased out the competition … crows are incredibly intelligent and pursue other birds in groups such as below one on one is not smart!
Both of these shots were taken in my yard … the back deck is a very good place to be, with camera and mug of coffee … take the time to learn more about your neighbors too, not just the human ones … many life lessons can be observed and learned.
Have a beautiful day … stay cool, keep breathing and smile.
Cheers,
Ted
Forbid that I should judge others
lest I condemn myself.
Let me not follow the clamor of
the world, but walk calmly
in my path. Give me a few friends
who will love me for what
I am, and keep ever burning
before my vagrant steps
the kindly light of hope.
excerpt from A Prayer by Max Ehrmann
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The easiest way to reach Mr. Grussing is by email: ted@tedgrussing.com
In addition to sales of photographs already taken Ted does special shoots for patrons on request and also does air-to-air photography for those who want photographs of their airplanes in flight. All special photographic sessions are billed on an hourly basis.
Ted also does one-on-one workshops for those interested in learning the techniques he uses. By special arrangement Ted will do one-on-one aerial photography workshops which will include actual photo sessions in the air.
More about Ted Grussing …
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