Nature Photography - Birds of Prey - Raptors and Skilled Carnivores
Britanica [AI] defines a Bird of Prey as any bird that pursues other animals for food. All birds of prey have hook-tipped beaks and sharp curved claws called talons. Diurnal birds of prey—hawks, eagles, vultures, and falcons (Falconiformes)—are also called raptors, which comprise more than 500 species. The condors (species of vultures) and the eagles are the largest and strongest members of this group, and they are among the largest and strongest of all living birds. The nocturnal birds of prey are the owls (Strigiformes), a group made up of more than 200 species.
​
For me, I include some pictures of officially non-raptors who are skilled carnivores in this section.
​
The images displayed in thumbnails online are not high resolution but upon purchase these images will be sent to your as high resolution images.
In addition, only a partial view of the thumbnail images is displayed online. However the images you receive upon purchase are high resolution images.
Osprey with big fish (#7341)
I took this picture in 2024 on the Susquehanna River near Conowingo Dam in Maryland. I was all packed up and walking up the river when I heard something faint behind me. As I turned, the Osprey was closing fast. I quickly placed my tripod on the ground without opening it and started taking pictures. It was very exciting. NOTE: The tiptop of his wings were cut off when I took the photo - I used Photoshop to extend wings.
Red Tailed Hawk (#6541)
While driving out of Long Branch in Virginia, this Hawk was sitting a few feet away. I stopped my car in the middle of a small road. The Hawk never flinched as I took many pictures and came closer.
Mated Pair Peregrine Falcons (#2767)
I have been visiting these falcons for a couple of weeks. I was set up at the right time for a 5 second mating ritual. Fantastic! I printed this as 18 X 24 and it looks great.
Eagle (#2277)
The Eagles at Conowingo Dam are spactacular!
Barred Owl (#6466)
A Beautiful Barred Owl appeared during a visit to the Alligator River in Manteo, NC. He/She sat for me for more than 30 minutes. Of course, I looked away at the moment they flew off!
Belted Kingfisher (#5625)
A Belted Kingfisher is a skilled fisherman. Kingfishers are one of my favorite birds. I am striving for a fishing sequence in the future.
Eurasian Eagle Owl (#2793)
This is a Eurasian Eagle Owl. This picture was taken at a Raptor Photography Event with rehabilitated birds that are thriving in captivity. The Owl was very easy-going and seemed pleased to be photographed.
Juvenile Cooper's Hawk (#2485)
While at a Raptor photography event, a wild Cooper's Hawk visited our Photo Session! This Juvenile remained with our group talking up a storm and investigting the Owls, California Condor, and other birds of prey. We were all very excited.
Harris's Hawk (#1545)
This Harris's Hawk was another bird of prey that was part of the Raptor Photography Event which I attended. He was very photogenic. Note again that this was a rehabilitated bird in captivity but treated very well.
Eurasian Eagle Owl (#1587)
This is the second view of the Eagle Owl at the Raptor event. The Falconer/trainer was very adept in showing the participants views of the birds taking off and flying and landing. I have used editing software in this photo to remove the tether.
Juvenile Cooper's Hawk (#2265)
This is the second view of the wild Cooper's Hawk that visited our Raptor Photo Session. This beautiful bird was talking and "performing" for us all.
Adult Bald Eagle (#7415)
On 1/18/2026, I went on a Nature Walk with Loudoun Wildlife. There were two beautiful eagles who visited. This great pose with a foggy scene is beautiful.
Thirsty Eagle (#7512)
On 1/18/2026, This is the thirsty eagle!