On January 29, I was parked near the boat ramp at Charleston Lake in Charleston, Arkansas, watching fish become active along the shoreline. Early mornings often bring fish closer to the surface, especially near structure like ramps and piers. That is why I like this spot. When fish move shallow, birds usually follow.
A Great Blue Heron was already working the area and slowly moved toward the fish. I rested my camera on a beanbag draped over the open window of my truck and waited. I expected the heron to strike. Instead, a Red-shouldered Hawk came in fast, hit the water, and grabbed a fish right in front of me.
The hawk lifted off with the fish and flew to a nearby tree to eat it. I have seen Red-shouldered Hawks catch fish at this lake before, but this was the first time I was fully set up and ready to photograph it. The entire sequence happened close enough that I was able to capture each stage of the action.
Red-shouldered Hawk Fishing Behavior
Red-shouldered Hawks primarily hunt small mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and occasionally other birds. Fish are not a regular part of their diet. That said, they are opportunistic hunters and will take advantage of easy prey.
Catching fish directly from open water is uncommon for this species. It usually happens when fish are shallow and active near the surface. Lakes, ponds, and flooded edges can provide these opportunities, especially in calm morning conditions.
This behavior is rare enough that it always catches my attention, even after seeing it happen before.
Photographing Red-shouldered Hawk Fishing
I photographed this hawk from inside my truck, using it as a mobile blind. The camera rested on a beanbag over the open window, which helped stabilize the long lens and allowed me to react quickly.
Fast shutter speed was critical to freeze the splash and wing movement. I used a slightly positive exposure compensation to keep detail in the hawk’s darker feathers while still holding highlights in the water.
Staying parked and letting the action come to me made the difference. The hawk showed no concern about the vehicle and completed the entire catch sequence naturally.
Image Information
- Camera: Canon EOS R5
- Lens: Canon RF 100-500mm F4.5-7.1 L IS USM
- Aperture: f/7.1
- Shutter Speed: 1/2000 second
- ISO: 4000
- Focal Length: 500 mm
- Exposure Compensation: +1/3
Great photographs and video of this unusual sighting!
Great capture! I like the beanbag reference for taking the photo from window.
Thanks
Great series, Steve! We see these hawks often in Northwest Arkansas sitting on power lines or fences near open fields. Beautiful birds.
Thanks Larry!
The action you photographed when this Red-shouldered Hawk caught the fish is fantastic! Amazing images.
Thanks my friend!